rTMS for Cognitive Impairment

This trial explores whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve thinking and memory in adults with mild to moderate cognitive issues, such as mild dementia. Participants will use the EXOMIND™ device for six sessions over three weeks, targeting specific brain areas. The study aims to determine if this treatment can enhance cognitive function over three months. Individuals experiencing noticeable memory and thinking difficulties, who have been stable on cognitive medications for at least four weeks, might be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance cognitive health.

You need to be on stable doses of any cognitive-enhancing medications for at least 4 weeks before the trial and should not change them during the study. If you are taking medications that lower the seizure threshold, you may need to stop them, as they are not allowed in the trial.

Research has shown that the EXOMIND™ device (BTL-699-2), used for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), is generally safe and well-tolerated. Studies have found that this device can improve mental well-being without causing major side effects. For example, research on similar devices indicates that rTMS does not lead to seizures or memory loss, unlike some other brain stimulation methods.

In another study, participants using the BTL-699-2 device reported better sleep quality and lower stress levels, with no significant negative effects. More broadly, rTMS has proven effective and safe for conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression, where it already has FDA approval. This suggests the treatment might also be well-tolerated for cognitive impairment.

Unlike traditional treatments for cognitive impairment, such as medications and cognitive therapy, the EXOMIND™ device uses repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to directly target the brain. This method involves delivering magnetic pulses to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is thought to play a role in cognitive function. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it offers a non-invasive approach that may enhance cognitive abilities more quickly and effectively than current options. Additionally, the personalized adjustment of stimulation based on the individual's motor threshold could lead to more tailored and potentially more effective outcomes.

Studies have shown that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve thinking and memory in some individuals. rTMS is particularly effective for mental health conditions like depression, which can sometimes be linked to cognitive difficulties. Research indicates that real rTMS treatments have significantly enhanced thinking abilities in multiple studies involving hundreds of participants. In this trial, participants will receive rTMS using the EXOMIND™ device, tested for boosting mental well-being, though no published evidence yet specifically addresses its effect on thinking problems. rTMS stimulates nerve cells in the brain, especially in areas related to thinking and mood.¹²⁴⁶⁷