NCT03836950 · Phase 1 · RECRUITING
rTMS to Improve Cognition in Parkinson's
This trial is testing repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, or rTMS, a non-invasive device that delivers magnetic pulses to the brain, to see whether it can safely improve thinking and cognition in veterans with Parkinson's disease or related conditions who already have mild cognitive impairment. It is a Phase 1 trial, meaning researchers are mainly checking that it is safe and workable at this stage, not yet proving it treats any disease.
Eligibility criteria
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:
* Dementia
* 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 of seizure including those who have the following:
* history (or family history) of seizure or epilepsy
* history of stroke, head injury, or unexplained seizures
* presence of other neurological disease that may be associated with an altered seizure threshold
* such as CVA, cerebral aneurysm, dementia, increased intracranial pressure
* Concurrent medication use such as tricyclic antidepressants, neuroleptic medications, any other drug known to lower seizure threshold
* Secondary conditions that may significantly alter electrolyte balance or lower seizure threshold
* No quantifiable motor threshold such that rTMS dosage cannot be accurately deter-minedThe sponsor's own eligibility wording, lightly reformatted. The study team makes the final eligibility decision — worth discussing with your doctor.
Eligibility criteria as of 2026-04-08