TMS for Cognitive Decline in Aging and Preclinical AD

Launched by MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · May 1, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a treatment called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) to see how it affects motivation, memory, and brain function in older adults. The goal is to learn more about how this non-invasive method can help those who are cognitively healthy or have early signs of Alzheimer's disease. Participants will undergo a series of visits, starting with an initial assessment, followed by ten consecutive days of rTMS sessions, and then a final evaluation after a two-week break.

To be eligible for this study, participants should be between the ages of 40 and 99, speak English, and be willing to take part in brain imaging and memory tests. It's important that they do not have a history of certain neurological conditions, major psychiatric issues, or any medical conditions that might interfere with the study. If you or a loved one is interested, participants can expect a structured schedule with support from the research team throughout the process. This study aims to provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of rTMS for cognitive health in aging individuals.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Between the ages of 40-99
• • 2. Native English speakers
• • 3. Willing and able to consent to the protocol and undergo imaging and neuropsychological testing at the specified time points
• • 4. Cognitively normal older adults and individuals with preclinical Alzheimer's disease will be included.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. History of head trauma involving loss of consciousness or alteration in consciousness
• • 2. Another major neurologic or psychiatric condition
• • 3. Known presence of a structural brain lesion (e.g. tumor, cortical infarct)
• • 4. Any contraindication to MRI, such as presence of pacemakers, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, ear implants, metal fragments, or foreign objects in the eyes, skin, or body
• • 5. Longstanding premorbid history (i.e. longer than 10 years) of alcohol or substance abuse with continuous abuse up to and including the time that the symptoms leading to clinical presentation developed
• • 6. Any significant systemic illness or unstable medical condition which could lead to difficulty complying with the study protocol.
• • 7. Unwilling to return for follow-up, undergo neuropsychological testing, TMS, and MR imaging
• • 8. History of unprovoked seizures (i.e., seizures that occur in the absence of a clear provocation such as hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, etc.).
• • 9. Subjects who have a first degree relative (e.g., father, mother or sibling) with a seizure disorder.
• • 10. Subjects currently taking, or plan to take, medications which are highly epileptogenic. These include: clozapine, high doses of bupropion (i.e., greater than 400mg daily), diphenhydramine, cyclosporine, isoniazid, imipenem, chloroquine, tramadol and theophylline.