Study Details

Open

Parkinson's Disease Motivation Study

Apathy, defined as lack of enthusiasm or concern for previously exciting or interesting things, is a very common, debilitating, often refractory symptom, and is associated with poor outcomes in neurologic and psychiatric conditions. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a form of non-invasive brain stimulation, is effective in treating depression but has had limited study in apathy. The current study will use a motivated behavioral task and electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate the use of TMS in apathy related to Parkinson's disease.

Age & Gender

55 years ~ 80 years
Male, Female, Gender Inclusive

Visit Availability

Standard business hours (M-F, 8-5)

Location

North Carolina (Statewide)

What will be asked of you

At each visit, you will be asked about your medical history and medications. You will be asked to complete a brief survey on motivation. You will be asked to perform a task where you will squeeze a joystick in exchange for a "prize", and you will undergo electroencephalogram (EEG) recording, as well as non-invasive brain stimulation with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). At the first visit, you will also do a brief cognitive assessment, a brief Parkinson's disease examination, and a depression screening questionnaire.

Incentives

Up to $100

In-person visits:
2-3

Total length of participation:
One month, 2-3 visits

Looking for Specific Volunteers

Able to participate:

You have had symptoms of Parkinson's disease for at least 5 years
You are between 55 and 80 years old
You take medication for Parkinson's disease
You have not had any changes in your medications for at least 1 month

Not eligible if:

You have significant cognitive difficulties or have been diagnosed with dementia
Have ever had a seizure or brain surgery
Have a diagnosis of Bipolar disorder or have ever been diagnosed with mania
Have implanted stimulators such as a pacemaker, vagal nerve stimulator, bladder stimulator, deep brain stimulator, or cochlear implant

Contact the Team

Visit Location

Contact & Visit Location

Primary Contact

Primary Visit Location

Carolina Center for Neurostimulation
100 Market Street, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Additional Study Information

Principal Investigator

Miriam Sklerov
Neurology-Movement Disorders

Study Type

Clinical or Medical
Interventional

Study Topics

Aging
Behavior
Brain, Head, Nervous System
Mental and Emotional Health
Movement

IRB Number

23-1829