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?
NeuroSpa’s clinic flyer reports changes in an Alzheimer’s-related blood marker in a series of six patients and a separate summary of cognitive test improvement. These are early findings, not proof that TMS changes the course of Alzheimer’s disease.
A blood marker was tracked
Researchers compared the Aβ42/40 ratio, a blood measurement associated with Alzheimer’s pathology, before and after TMS.
All six ratios increased
The six paired blood-test measurements shown in the flyer increased after treatment. The size of the change differed between patients.
Cognitive scores were reported
The flyer reports an average six-point improvement on standardized cognitive exams. The test and clinical significance should be discussed with a physician.
Patients in the biomarker chartIndividual before-and-after measurements
Ratios increasedAβ42/40 moved upward in the supplied figure
Average cognitive test points reportedExact testing instrument to be confirmed by the physician
Detailed Alzheimer’s biomarker measurements
All six patients in the clinic flyer had a higher Aβ42/40 blood-test ratio after TMS. Compare the blue (before) and green (after) measurements below; these preliminary observations do not establish that TMS caused the change.
Patient 1
↑ +0.034
Patient 2
↑ +0.026
Patient 3
↑ +0.041
Patient 4
↑ +0.012
Patient 5
↑ +0.017
Patient 6
↑ +0.010
What does “before and after” mean here?
The brain illustration explains that a biological measurement was compared at two points in time. It does not depict physical plaque being removed from the brain.
Before TMS
The study participants’ starting Aβ42/40 blood-test values were recorded.
After TMS
Each participant’s reported Aβ42/40 ratio was higher after treatment.
Illustration only. These drawings are not scans or measures of brain plaque.
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
Hear from Dr. Elahi and NeuroSpa patients. Individual experiences do not predict outcomes for others.
Brain Enhancement: Improving Cognitive Function
Dr. Elahi discusses brain stimulation and cognitive function.
Testimonial: Treatment of Memory Disorders with TMS
A patient and caregiver describe their personal experience. 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.