TMS improves language comprehension in Alzheimer's sufferers

August, 2010

A pilot study found two weeks of daily repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to the prefrontal lobes improved speech comprehension in those with moderate Alzheimer's.

A pilot study involving 10 patients with moderate Alzheimer's disease, of whom half were randomly assigned to the treatment, has found that two weeks of receiving daily (25 minute) periods of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to the prefrontal lobes produced a significant improvement in the patients’ ability to understand spoken language. Correct answers on a comprehension test rose from 66% to over 77%. Two further weeks of the treatment produced no further improvement, but the improvements were still evident eight weeks after the end of the treatment. The effect was limited to this specific cognitive function.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-06/bmj-bst062210.php

Reference:

[1615] Cotelli, M., Calabria M., Manenti R., Rosini S., Zanetti O., Cappa S. F., et al.
(2010). Improved language performance in Alzheimer disease following brain stimulation.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

comprehension

TMS

seniors

neurological treatments

Alzheimers

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