Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Dementia.

Abstract

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulatory technique that is increasingly being investigated for its therapeutic potential in cognitive impairment associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. This narrative review synthesizes and critically appraises the current evidence surrounding rTMS, with particular focus on clinical efficacy, neurobiological mechanisms, and emerging innovations. High-frequency stimulation over the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) has consistently demonstrated improvements in memory, executive function, and attention, likely mediated by enhanced synaptic plasticity, increased neurotrophic factor expression, and modulation of large-scale brain networks, such as the default mode and fronto-parietal networks. Recent high-quality studies have built upon earlier research to highlight the comparative efficacy of target-specific stimulation, including precuneus- and parietal-based protocols, as well as multi- site strategies that engage language and associative regions. It also examines the use of TMSEEG and DMN connectivity as predictors of treatment response, supporting a shift toward personalized, biomarker-guided rTMS paradigms. Moreover, the synergistic potential of combining rTMS with cognitive training and pharmacotherapy is explored as a promising avenue for multimodal treatment. While preliminary results are encouraging, heterogeneity in study design and stimulation parameters continues to limit the generalizability of the findings. Standardization of protocols, longterm efficacy validation, and large-scale clinical trials remain critical to translating rTMS into routine dementia care.