NCT03836950 · VA Office of Research and Development
rTMS to Improve Cognition in Parkinson's
(TMSCogReP)
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to examine safety, feasibility, and the behavioral and brain effects of a non-invasive treatment, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), for Veterans with Parkinson's disease or atypical parkinsonism and mild impairments in their thinking.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to examine safety, feasibility, and the behavioral and brain effects of a non-invasive treatment, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), for Veterans with Parkinson's disease or atypical parkinsonism and mild impairments in their thinking. The hypothesis is that rTMS can improve thinking for people with Parkinson's disease or atypical parkinsonism who are experiencing mild problems with their thinking ability.
Interventions
DEVICE
MagVenture MagProX100 stimulator (MagVenture, Falun, Denmark)
The coil will be held tangentially to the skull at approximately 45º from the midline. One rTMS session will consist of 40 trains of 5sec each at 110% of resting motor threshold and 15Hz will be provided at the left DLPFC.
DEVICE
MagVenture MagProX100 stimulator (MagVenture, Falun, Denmark)
The coil will be held tangentially to the skull at approximately 45º from the midline. The sham coil will not release any stimulation, but it will look, feel and sound like the real rTMS
Primary outcome measures
change in NIH sponsored Executive Abilities: Measures and Instruments for neurobehavioral evaluation and re-search (NIH-EXAMINER) executive composite score
Time frame: baseline, 8 weeks, 12 weeks
The NIH-EXAMINER has an established 3-factor model defined by (1) cognitive control, (2) working memory (3) fluency. A confirmatory factor analysis indicates these 3-factors load on to 1-factor: executive composite score. Seven tests in the NIH-EXAMINER will be used to compute the composite score
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Veterans who seek services at Hines VA Hospital or Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
- Diagnosis of PD or atypical parkinsonism as determined by a neurologist
- Meet criteria for having mild cognitive impairment
- Receiving stable (i.e., no changes in medication and medication dose) medication and who are expected to remain on stable medication for the duration of the RCT
- Speak and read English
- 50 years or older
Exclusion criteria
- Failure to demonstrate decision making capacity
- History of deep brain stimulation surgery
- Severe depression
- Resting head tremor
- Dyskinesia that will interfere with collecting imaging data
- Has congestive heart failure
- Implanted cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator
- Cochlear implant, nerve stimulator, or intracranial metal clips
- Implanted medical pump
- Increased intracranial pressure
- History of claustrophobia
- Metal in eyes/face, shrapnel/bullet remnants in brain
- Participants at potential increased risk
Where
- Chicago, Illinois
- Hines, Illinois
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 21, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations