Journal Article

FZJ-2026-00248

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation enhances alpha power in Alzheimer's disease patients

Fassbender, R. V. (First author) ; Kehm, C. ; Otta, A.-L. ; Fink, G. R.FZJ* ; Onur, O. A. (Corresponding author)FZJ*

2025
IOS Press Amsterdam

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1177/13872877251406972  doi:10.34734/FZJ-2026-00248

Abstract: BackgroundWith Alzheimer's disease (AD) presenting an ongoing challenge, innovative treatment methods are essential. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has emerged as a promising noninvasive intervention, particularly targeting alpha band oscillations associated with AD-related cognitive decline.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of low-intensity rTMS over posterior cortical areas on alpha band oscillations and memory performance in AD patients compared to age-matched healthy controls.MethodsIn a single-blinded, sham-controlled rTMS-EEG study, we examined 14 amyloid-positive AD patients and 14 age-matched healthy controls. Continuous EEG was recorded at rest (eyes closed) before, during, and after stimulation. During stimulation, participants completed an episodic memory task.ResultsWe were able to demonstrate that during rTMS alpha power increased compared to sham, with a notable 25% increase observed in AD patients. However, comparison of memory performance under the sham and stimulation conditions revealed no significant stimulation effect.ConclusionsThese findings support and extend current knowledge of noninvasive brain stimulation mechanisms. Our results suggest that alpha frequency-tuned rTMS over posterior cortical areas can modulate pathological brain activity in AD patients even at low intensities. Given the limited sample size and moderate effect sizes, results should be interpreted with caution. Nevertheless, our results warrant further studies with long-term EEG-rTMS protocols to evaluate the potential therapeutic benefit.Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; EEG; alpha rhythm; episodic memory; noninvasive brain stimulation; repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation

Note: J Alzheimers Dis 2025 Dec 29:13872877251406972. doi: 10.1177/13872877251406972. Online ahead of print. FundingThe authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This study was supported by the Brandau-Laibach Foundation (OO and RF) and the Marga and Walter Boll Foundation (GF and OO; Grant-ID: Boll-Stiftung: 2010-01.03-20). The funders were not involved in the planning of the study, the collection, analysis, and interpretation of the data, the writing of this article, or the decision to submit it for publication. This work was supported by the Marga and Walter Boll Foundation (Grant-ID: 2010-01.03-20) and the Brandau Laibach Foundation.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Kognitive Neurowissenschaften (INM-3)

Research Program(s):

1. 5251 - Multilevel Brain Organization and Variability (POF4-525) (POF4-525)

Appears in the scientific report 2025

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Database coverage:
; ; ; BIOSIS Previews ; Biological Abstracts ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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