rTMS REDUCES DELTA AND INCREASES THETA OSCILLATIONS IN ALZHEIMER’S
DISEASE: A VISUAL-EVOKED AND EVENT-RELATED POTENTIALS STUDY
Abstract
Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has
emerged as a promising alternative therapy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
due to its ability to modulate neural networks and enhance cognitive
function. This treatment offers the unique advantage of enabling
real-time monitoring of immediate cognitive effects and dynamic brain
changes through electroencephalography (EEG). Objective: This study
focused on exploring the effects of left parietal rTMS stimulation on
visual evoked potentials (VEP) and visual event-related potentials
(VERP) in AD patients. Methods: Sixteen AD patients were recruited for
this longitudinal study. EEG data were collected within a Faraday cage
both pre and post-rTMS to evaluate its impact on potentials. Results:
Significant alterations were found in both VEP and VERP oscillations.
Specifically, delta power in VEP decreased while theta power in VERP
increased post-rTMS, indicating a modulation of brain activities.
Discussion: These findings confirm the positive modulatory impact of
rTMS on brain activities in AD, evidenced by improved cognitive scores.
They align with previous studies highlighting the potential of rTMS in
managing hyperexcitability and oscillatory disturbances in the AD
cortex. Conclusion: Cognitive improvements post-rTMS endorse its
potential as a promising neuromodulatory treatment for cognitive
enhancement in AD, thereby providing critical insights into the
neurophysiological anomalies in AD and possible therapeutic avenues.