TMS Treatment for Dementia
Memory changes can raise difficult questions for individuals and their families. Learn about dementia, how neurologists evaluate cognitive symptoms, and emerging research exploring transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
At NeuroSpa Brain Rejuvenation Centers, care begins with a neurological evaluation and a conversation about individual needs and available options.
What is dementia?
Dementia refers to a group of conditions that cause changes in memory, thinking, language, behavior or everyday functioning. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common causes, but dementia can take several different forms.
Normal age-related forgetfulness is not the same as progressive memory loss. When symptoms affect everyday activities, a neurological assessment can help identify possible causes and appropriate next steps.
NeuroSpa video — learn about TMS and memory-related concerns.
What did NeuroSpa observe after TMS?
These actual clinical findings in real-world clinic patients with dementia and/or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are very encouraging and in line with other published research trials showing how TMS can benefit patients with dementia.
A blood marker was tracked
We compared the Aβ42/40 ratio, a blood measurement associated with Alzheimer’s pathology, before and after TMS at our clinic.
All six ratios significantly improved after TMS
Patients experienced a significant trend towards reaching normal serum amyloid ratios after TMS treatment.
Cognitive scores Improved
The data showed an average six-point improvement on standardized cognitive exams (MOCA).
Patients in the biomarker chartIndividual before-and-after measurements
Ratios increasedAβ42/40 moved upward in the supplied figure
Average cognitive test points reportedStandardized cognitive exam (MOCA)
Detailed Alzheimer’s biomarker measurements
All six patients in the clinic flyer had a higher Aβ42/40 blood-test ratio after TMS. The visual summary below makes it easy to compare where each patient started and where they measured after treatment.
At-a-glance Aβ42/40 trend view
Each patient is shown on the same colored scale so families can quickly see the direction of change from before TMS to after TMS.
P1
P2
P3
P4
P5
P6
Patient 1
↑ +0.034
Patient 2
↑ +0.026
Patient 3
↑ +0.041
Patient 4
↑ +0.012
Patient 5
↑ +0.017
Patient 6
↑ +0.010
Magnetic pulses pass through the scalp and skull without surgery or implants. The targeted region is the cerebral cortex.
Evaluation, cognitive testing and follow-up
Memory concerns can have different causes. Assessment may involve a neurological examination, review of medical history, standardized cognitive testing, imaging, and laboratory evaluation when appropriate.
TMS is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation using targeted magnetic pulses. Research is exploring whether it may have a role in certain cognitive conditions. Whether it is appropriate for an individual with dementia requires careful medical evaluation.
How do different types of dementia differ?
Different disorders may affect memory, language, behavior and movement in different ways. The following overview summarizes important distinctions.
Alzheimer’s disease
Often begins with difficulty learning and recalling recent information. Unlike ordinary forgetfulness, progressive memory loss may persist even when reminders or clues are provided.
Frontotemporal dementia
May first involve changes in social behavior, judgment or inhibitions. Some forms predominantly affect language, word finding or speech.
Vascular dementia
Can follow reduced blood supply or strokes affecting the brain. Changes in thinking may sometimes occur in a stepwise pattern.
Parkinson’s disease dementia
May combine changes in attention and memory with movement symptoms such as slowed walking, tremor, reduced facial expression or speech changes.
Making sense of memory changes together
Living with memory concerns can affect the entire family. Neurological evaluation helps patients and caregivers better understand symptoms, consider appropriate treatment options, and plan the next steps.
Our approach emphasizes clear explanations, individualized assessment and realistic discussions of what current evidence does — and does not — support.
Videos and patient perspectives
Explore NeuroSpa’s videos about dementia, memory disorders, brain stimulation, and related treatment experiences. Play the videos directly on this page.
TMS for Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) — Dr. Elahi Discusses
Dementia — NeuroSpa Video Discussion
Advances in Accurate Diagnosis of Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s Brain vs. Normal Brain on MRI
Can Brain MRI Identify Early Frontotemporal Dementia?
TMS for Memory Disorders — Patient Testimonial
Discussion of TMS and memory disorders with patient experience.
TMS for Dementia — An Advance in Treatment Options
Dr. Elahi discusses TMS research and clinical approaches for dementia.
Brain Enhancement: Improving Cognitive Function
Dr. Elahi discusses brain stimulation strategies and cognitive function.
Testimonial: Treatment of Memory Disorders with TMS
A patient and caregiver describe their personal experience with treatment. Outcomes vary.
Research on TMS and Alzheimer’s disease
Published case report
In a 2023 case report by Elahi and Frechette, a 44-year-old patient with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease showed improvements on several cognitive measures following rTMS.
Reported changes included memory (+22%), executive functioning (+32.4%), attention (+13.2%), verbal functioning (+148%) and working memory (+19%). These percentages describe one patient and cannot predict individual outcomes.
Where TMS fits in dementia care
Current dementia care may include approved medications, supportive therapies, symptom management, safety planning and caregiver assistance. Some treatments aim to slow aspects of disease progression in eligible patients.
Research into TMS for Alzheimer’s and dementia is ongoing. It is not established as a cure or proven way to reverse Alzheimer’s disease, and the clinic’s biomarker series should be interpreted as preliminary.
Questions about evaluation? Call (949) 652-7301.
Selected references
- Bentwich J. et al. (2011). Beneficial effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with cognitive training for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: a proof-of-concept study. Journal of Neural Transmission.
- Cotelli M. et al. (2006). Effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation on action naming in patients with Alzheimer disease. Archives of Neurology.
- Cotelli M. et al. (2011). Improved language performance in Alzheimer disease following brain stimulation. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.
- Ahmed M.A. et al. (2012). Effects of low versus high frequencies of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on cognitive function and cortical excitability in Alzheimer’s dementia. Journal of Neurology.
- Rabey J.M. et al. (2013). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with cognitive training in Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized double-blind study. Journal of Neural Transmission.
These references were retained from the existing Dementia article; full bibliographic details and clinical wording should be reviewed before publication.
Have questions about memory or dementia care?
Talk with NeuroSpa about a neurological evaluation, cognitive testing, and evidence-informed care options for you or a family member.