🧠 Can TMS Improve Cognitive Function in Alzheimer’s or Mild Cognitive Impairment?

As the global population ages, the prevalence of cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) continues to rise. These conditions affect memory, decision-making, language, and daily functioning — and significantly impact quality of life for patients and families. While current treatments offer modest benefits, a promising non-invasive therapy known as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is showing potential to support cognitive function in these populations.

💡 What Is TMS and How Does It Work?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses magnetic pulses to target specific areas of the brain involved in cognition and emotion regulation.

A coil is placed gently on the scalp, usually over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). This coil delivers repetitive magnetic pulses that penetrate the skull and stimulate underlying neurons without the need for surgery, medication, or anesthesia.

⚙️ How TMS Helps:

• Enhances neuroplasticity: Encourages the brain to form new connections

• Modulates neural activity: Restores more normal brain function in regions affected by degeneration

• Increases blood flow and metabolism in targeted brain areas

• Supports cognitive processes like memory, attention, and executive function

TMS is typically delivered in a series of short daily sessions (20–40 minutes) over several weeks. The technique is safe, well-tolerated, and does not require hospitalization or sedation.

🧪 TMS for Alzheimer’s and MCI: What We Know

TMS works by delivering focused magnetic pulses to areas of the brain that are involved in memory and cognition — especially the DLPFC. This stimulation may promote neuroplasticity, enhance synaptic connectivity, and modulate abnormal brain activity, potentially improving cognitive performance. Several studies and clinical trials have shown that:

• TMS can improve short-term memory, attention, and executive function in patients with MCI.

• Repeated sessions may produce measurable cognitive improvements lasting for weeks to months.

• TMS is often well-tolerated, with minimal side effects, especially compared to pharmacological treatments.

📊 What Does the Evidence Say?

A number of small-to-medium scale studies suggest a benefit of TMS in early-to-moderate Alzheimer's patients:

• A 2021 meta-analysis found that high-frequency TMS (usually 10 Hz) applied to the left DLPFC led to modest but significant improvements in memory and global cognition scores.

• Studies combining TMS with cognitive training (rTMS-COG) showed even better results, supporting a multimodal approach.

• Benefits are more likely in patients with early-stage cognitive decline, where brain plasticity is still preserved.

That said, research is ongoing, and TMS is not yet considered a stand-alone treatment or cure for dementia. It is viewed as a supportive tool in a broader therapeutic strategy.

✅ Is TMS Safe for Alzheimer’s and MCI Patients?

TMS is non-invasive, painless, and generally well-tolerated. Side effects are usually mild and may include:

• Scalp discomfort or headache

• Fatigue after sessions

• Rare risk of seizure (mainly in high-risk individuals)

TMS is not recommended for patients with pacemakers or implanted metal devices near the head, and a full medical screening is required before starting treatment.

💡 TMS at Global Health

At Global Health, we are committed to exploring and offering evidence-based neurostimulation therapies for cognitive and neurological disorders. We collaborate with neurologists and mental health professionals to assess candidacy for TMS in patients experiencing early cognitive decline. We emphasize:

• Multidisciplinary evaluation

• Individualized protocols

• Ongoing monitoring and outcome tracking

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with MCI or early-stage Alzheimer’s, and you're exploring non-pharmacological treatment options, our team can provide guidance on whether TMS may be an appropriate part of your care plan.