Magnetic pulses detect thinking problems
- Trial ID
- NCT06835595
- Official Title
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Related Measures as Biomarker of Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson's Disease (PD)
- Goal
- Magnetic pulses detect thinking problems
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata del Trentino
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 52 participants
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease
- Interventions
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Summary For Families
The goal is to find noninvasive brain measures that signal cognitive impairment in Parkinson's, so thinking problems can be detected or tracked earlier and more reliably. The approach uses transcranial magnetic stimulation, which delivers brief magnetic pulses to the scalp to probe cortical excitability, connectivity, and plasticity, recording responses that might link to memory and attention changes while participants also get neuropsychological testing. Tests are done while people remain on their usual antiparkinsonian medications, kept stable for at least four weeks, so results reflect typical treatment effects. Adults 18 and older with idiopathic PD who can complete neuropsychological testing and give informed consent are eligible, while people with dementia by MDS criteria, implanted metal or electronic devices, a history of seizures, pregnancy, or certain seizure‑risk medications are excluded.
Locations
- SC Clinica Neurologica - Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI), Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
- UOC Neuroriabilitazione - Azienda Sanitaria dell'Alto Adige, Sterzing, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
- UOC Neurologia - Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. The goal is to find noninvasive brain measures that signal cognitive impairment in Parkinson's, so thinking problems can be detected or tracked earlier and more reliably. The approach uses transcranial magnetic stimulation, which delivers brief magnetic pulses to the scalp to probe cortical excitability, connectivity, and plasticity, recording responses that might link to memory and attention changes while participants also get neuropsychological testing. Tests are done while people remain on their usual antiparkinsonian medications, kept stable for at least four weeks, so results reflect typical treatment effects. Adults 18 and older with idiopathic PD who can complete neuropsychological testing and give informed consent are eligible, while people with dementia by MDS criteria, implanted metal or electronic devices, a history of seizures, pregnancy, or certain seizure‑risk medications are excluded.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be at least 18 Years.
- Where is this trial located?
- This trial is recruiting at 3 locations.
- Does it cost anything to join?
- No. There is no cost to participate. Study-related care and treatment are provided at no charge.
- How long does the trial last?
- This trial is estimated to last approximately 3 years and 4 months.
- Will I get the real drug or a placebo?
- It depends on the trial design. Some Parkinson's trials are placebo controlled, meaning a portion of participants get an inactive comparison while others get the experimental treatment. Some use crossover designs so everyone eventually receives the active treatment at some point. Observational trials do not use a placebo at all because they are not testing a new treatment. The consent form for any specific trial spells out the design and your odds of being assigned to placebo before you enroll.
- How often will I need to visit the study site?
- Visit frequency varies by trial. Many Parkinson's studies require an in person visit every 4 to 12 weeks during the active treatment phase, with shorter or longer gaps depending on the design. The site coordinator can give you the full visit schedule before you sign anything, so you know what the time commitment looks like.
- Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?
- Yes. You can withdraw from any clinical trial at any time, for any reason, without affecting your standard medical care. Trials are voluntary by law. The team may ask if you are willing to do a brief exit visit so they can collect safety information, but you are not obligated.
- Will travel or parking be reimbursed?
- Many trials reimburse for parking, mileage, and sometimes lodging if the site is far from your home. Reimbursement policies vary by sponsor and site. When you contact the trial team, ask specifically what is covered and how reimbursement is processed.
- Can my spouse or care partner come with me to visits?
- In most cases yes, and it is often encouraged. Care partners can help with notes, questions, and getting home safely after a long visit. Some study assessments do need to happen one on one, but care partners are usually welcome for the rest of the appointment.