Could Targeted Brain Stimulation Slow Alzheimer’s Progression?
A new study suggests that investigational transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) targeting a brain network involved in memory may slow the progression of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
This small phase II study, presented at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease annual meeting in Madrid, found that personalized, noninvasive stimulation of the default mode network (DMN) led to a significant improvement in cognitive function compared to a sham treatment.
How Did the Study Work?
The DMN is a key brain network responsible for memory and is particularly vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease. The study involved personalized TMS targeting the precuneus, a crucial hub within the DMN. Participants received daily TMS sessions for 10 days during an induction phase, followed by weekly sessions for 50 weeks.
The primary outcome measure was the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale-Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB), which ranges from 0 to 18 with higher scores indicating greater impairment. At 1 year, participants receiving personalized TMS showed an estimated mean change of 1.3 points on the CDR-SB, compared to 2.4 points for the sham group (p=0.038).
Beyond cognitive function, participants also exhibited significantly better scores on a key secondary measure of activities of daily living.
What Does This Mean for Alzheimer’s Treatment?
This study adds to existing evidence suggesting that neuromodulation techniques, like TMS, hold promise for slowing cognitive decline and preserving daily functioning in Alzheimer’s patients.
Dr. Jeffrey Cummings, of University of Nevada in Las Vegas, commented on the results: “Given its lack of serious side effects, this precision medicine neuromodulation approach represents a promising new direction for treatment research in the field of Alzheimer’s.”
Study limitations include the small sample size and mixed enrollment methods. However, these findings pave the way for future research with larger cohorts and more sophisticated personalization techniques.
Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and ongoing research efforts: