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A recent phase II study has provided promising evidence that targeted transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can slow cognitive decline and improve daily functioning in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Personalized brain stimulation appears to enhance memory-related networks safely over the course of a year-long treatment.
The new findings, presented at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease annual meeting, indicate that TMS focused on memory networks may have a protective effect against cognitive deterioration. After one year of treatment, participants who received TMS targeting the default mode network (DMN) exhibited a mean 1.3-point increase on the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale-Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB), compared to a 2.4-point increase in the sham treatment group (P=0.038). This suggests that those undergoing active TMS therapy experienced less cognitive decline.
Beyond cognitive benefits, the study also found significant improvements in activities of daily living among the TMS-treated group (P<0.001). The trial enrolled 48 participants, randomly assigning them to either the TMS or sham treatment group over a 52-week period. Despite some dropouts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 32 participants completed the study.
The TMS protocol was individualized for each participant using electroencephalography (EEG) and MRI data. The stimulation regimen involved 20 Hz pulses delivered daily initially, followed by weekly maintenance sessions for the remainder of the year. EEG scans demonstrated improved functional connectivity within the DMN, aligning with the observed clinical benefits.
While the results are encouraging, researchers acknowledged limitations such as the relatively small sample size. Further studies utilizing updated calibration methods are planned to validate and expand on these findings.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients should consult their healthcare providers before considering any new treatment options.
(Source: https://www.medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/ctad/112719)
