Safety and Efficacy of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Intervention of Cognitive Function in Elderly Sufferers with Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the safety and effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in cognitive function intervention in elderly sufferers with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: A total of 120 subjects aged 61–87 years who suffered from AD were assigned to a control group (n = 60) and a test group (n = 60), which were given Memantine Hydrochloride Tablets intervention and 4-week TMS intervention base on Memantine Hydrochloride Tablets intervention. The cognitive functions, mental status and activities of daily living, serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and β-amyloid 1-42 (Aβ1-42) levels were estimated, and the occurrence of untoward response was recorded. Results: After a 4-week intervention, it was showed a significant difference between the Memantine Hydrochloride Tablets intervention and the TMS + Memantine Hydrochloride Tablets intervention in Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Portion (ADAS-Cog) score and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score, as well as the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) score and the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale Activities of daily living (ADCS-ADL). In terms of serum BDNF, the Aβ1-42 levels were notably higher than the BDNF levels in the test group, whereas, in the control group, they were significantly lower. As for adverse reactions, chi-square test analyses corroborated no significant difference between the test group (5.00%) and the control group (8.33%). Conclusions: TMS linked with the pharmacological intervention was more favorable than the pharmacological intervention alone in improving cognitive function in elderly AD subjects, and it also reduced psycho-behavioral symptoms, improved daily living ability and had a higher safety profile.