The Cognitive Benefits of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Dr. Danish and his team at Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry frequently utilize Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to manage various psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, addiction, and ADHD. There is a hypothetical and extremely rare risk of short-term memory deficits with TMS treatments, but this is actually nonexistent in many large studies, and the opposite is often found: cognition improves in most patients who benefit from TMS. By enhancing neural activity, TMS has shown promise not only in alleviating depressive symptoms but also in improving cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and executive function. There is also growing evidence for its use in dementia and stroke patients.
TMS for Cognitive Control in Depressed Patients
Another review, Use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Studying Cognitive Control in Depressed Patients, examined the effects of TMS on cognitive control in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The review synthesized results from 21 studies and found that TMS significantly improved cognitive functions such as inhibition, attention, set shifting, and memory. These improvements were particularly notable in the prefrontal cortex, a region critical for cognitive control. The study supports the use of TMS as a viable treatment for cognitive deficits in MDD, highlighting its potential to enhance cognitive functioning alongside mood improvement.
Efficacy and Safety of TMS in Cognitive Disorders
The systematic review and meta-analysis Efficacy and Safety of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Cognition in Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's Disease, and Other Cognitive Disorders analyzed 143 studies involving 5,800 participants. The findings indicated that TMS significantly improved global and specific cognitive measures across various cognitive disorders, including mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The review also confirmed the safety of TMS, with very few adverse events reported. This comprehensive analysis provides robust evidence supporting the cognitive benefits of TMS in a wide range of cognitive impairments.
Neuropsychological and Anatomical-Functional Effects of TMS in Post-Stroke Patients
A systematic review titled Neuropsychological and Anatomical-Functional Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Post-Stroke Patients with Cognitive Impairment and Aphasia highlights the benefits of TMS in neurorehabilitation. The study reviewed 15 articles and found significant improvements in attention, memory, executive function, language comprehension, naming, and verbal fluency in post-stroke patients. TMS was shown to enhance frontal and temporoparietal brain activation, contributing to cognitive recovery. These findings underscore the potential of TMS to aid in the cognitive rehabilitation of patients with post-stroke cognitive impairments and aphasia.
TMS Neurophysiology in Non-Alzheimer's Neurodegenerative Diseases
The study Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Neurophysiology in Patients with Non-Alzheimer's Neurodegenerative Diseases explored the neurophysiological effects of TMS in non-Alzheimer's dementias (NAD). The meta-analysis revealed that TMS could assess and potentially improve neurophysiological functions in various NAD conditions. The study found decreased glutamatergic and GABAergic functions in patients with frontotemporal dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that TMS could serve as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in these conditions.
Getting in Touch with Dr. Danish and his Team
At Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry, we prioritize staying abreast of the latest research related to TMS and its cognitive benefits to provide the highest quality care safely. Our holistic and integrative approach ensures that we consider all aspects of our patients' well-being in developing personalized treatment plans. If you or a loved one are seeking support for cognitive impairments or similar conditions, please text or call 610-999-6414 to learn how we can help.
For more on this topic and related subjects, check out Dr. Danish’s other blogs:
How TMS Works
Discover just how powerful TMS is for depression.
Find out about accelerated TMS treatment for severe depression that can be completed in under 5 days!
Read about how TMS can lead to neuronal growth and plasticity.
Learn whether patients preparing for TMS should stay on their antidepressants that are not doing enough.
Conditions that TMS can treat
TMS can help treat Fibromyalgia: read more here on this emerging, off-label treatment for Fibromyalgia.
Trichotillomania, or hair pulling disorder, is a difficult to treat disorder, but there is growing evidence that TMS may be beneficial.
Explore the potential of TMS for patients with seizure disorders.
Information & Safety
Understand the safety of TMS for depression during pregnancy.
We look at the safety of TMS in patients with schizophrenia.
Sources:
Use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Studying Cognitive Control in Depressed Patients
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/s13415-024-01193-w
