Effects of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in aged rats depend on pre-treatment cognitive status: Toward individualized intervention for successful cognitive aging

Background: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) has shown initial promise in combating age-related cognitive decline and dementia. The nature and severity of cognitive aging, however, varies markedly between individuals. Objective/Hypothesis: We hypothesized that the distinct constellation of brain changes responsible for individual differences in cognitive aging might influence the response to rTMS. Methods: Cognitive effects of rTMS were evaluated using a rat model of cognitive aging in which aged rats are classified as Aged-Impaired (AI) or -Unimpaired (AU) relative to young (Y) according to their performance in the Morris water maze. Several weeks later, following presentation of a sample odor in an olfactory recognition task, rats received either sham (Y, n = 9; AU, n = 8; AI, n = 9) or intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (Y, n = 8; AU, n = 8; AI, n = 9). Memory was tested 24 hours later. Results: Recognition memory in the sham and stimulated conditions depended on pre-treatment cognitive status in the aged rats. Y and AU sham rats displayed robust odor recognition, whereas sham-treated AI rats exhibited no retention. In contrast, rTMS treated AI rats showed robust retention, comparable in magnitude to Y, whereas the AU stimulated scored at chance. Conclusion: Our results are consistent with a perspective that the unique neurobiology associated with variability in cognitive aging modulates the response to rTMS. Protocols with documented efficacy in young adults may have unexpected outcomes in aging or neurodegenerative conditions, requiring individualized approaches.

Download Full-text

The relationship between pre-treatment heart rate variability and response to low-frequency accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in major depression

Journal of Affective Disorders Reports ◽

10.1016/j.jadr.2021.100270 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 100270

Author(s):

Jean-Philippe Miron ◽

Jack Sheen ◽

Tony Panzarella ◽

Molly Hyde ◽

Farrokh Mansouri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Heart Rate Variability ◽

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽

Major Depression ◽

Magnetic Stimulation ◽

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽

Low Frequency ◽

Pre Treatment ◽

The Relationship

Download Full-text

136 Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as a Protective Measure Against Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease: A Case Report

CNS Spectrums ◽

10.1017/s1092852920000528 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (2) ◽

pp. 286-287

Author(s):

Jared S Garland ◽

Megan Tsui ◽

Emilia-Marie Jaskot ◽

Martin Knoll ◽

Jerika Taylor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Case Report ◽

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽

Cognitive Training ◽

Early Onset ◽

Side Effect ◽

Magnetic Stimulation ◽

Treatment Cycle ◽

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽

Effect Data ◽

Pre Treatment

Disclaimer:The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy of the Department of Army/Navy/Air Force, Department of Defense, or U.S. Government.Background:Alzheimer s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease leading to cognitive decline and eventually death. Degradation of cortical neuroplasticity is thought to be a major catalyst of AD-related cognitive decline. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), which uses pulsed magnetism to stimulate neurons, increases cortical plasticity and induces long-lasting neuroplastic changes. Patients have benefited from rTMS to treat AD, especially when done in conjunction with cognitive training exercises. This case report presents a 31-year-old male who tested positive for an autosomal dominant mutation implicated in early-onset AD. rTMS and cognitive training were employed to assist in the delay of early-onset AD manifestation in two cycles.Methods:Prior to each treatment cycle, the patient completed questionnaires and interviews designed to test his cognitive functioning; his spouse was interviewed to provide a third-party assessment of his functioning. Following pre-treatment data collection, 30 daily rTMS/cognitive training sessions were completed in the first cycle and 35 daily rTMS/cognitive training sessions were completed in the second cycle. The bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortices each received 1,000 pulses (10 Hz, 110% SMT). Tolerability and side effect data were collected after each treatment. Immediately following rTMS, the patient played cognitive training games at our Brain Fitness Center. All pre-treatment assessments were repeated after completion of the 30 sessions in the first cycle and the 35 sessions in the second cycle for comparison of pre- to post-treatment cognitive functionality.Results:Pre-treatment testing indicated the patient was asymptomatic before each cycle. The patient completed 30 daily rTMS sessions in the first cycle and 35 daily rTMS sessions in the second cycle. Tolerability/side effect data showed he tolerated treatment well and experienced only minor pain. The patient also completed 30 cognitive training sessions in the first cycle and 35 cognitive training sessions in the second cycle and showed moderate improvement across all cognitive domains. Post-treatment assessments indicated no change in functioning except to note the patient s improved sleep. A third treatment cycle is scheduled to begin in February 2020.Conclusions:This case report supports rTMS paired with cognitive training to be a safe and tolerable treatment for early-onset AD. However, more treatment cycles must be completed before conclusions about its efficacy can be determined.

Download Full-text