Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on electroencephalogram and memory function in patients with mild cognitive impairment.

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a high-risk precursor to Alzheimer's disease characterized by declining memory or other progressive cognitive functions without compromising daily living abilities.

Aim: To investigate the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with MCI.

Methods: This retrospective analysis involved 180 patients with MCI who were admitted to The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from January 2021 to June 2023. Participants were allocated into the research (n = 98, receiving rTMS) and control groups (n = 82, receiving sham stimulation). Memory tests, cognitive function assessments, event-related potential-P300 tests, and electroencephalogram (EEG) examinations were conducted pre-treatment and post-treatment. Further, memory quotient (MQ), cognitive function scores, and EEG grading results were compared, along with adverse reaction incidences.

Results: Pre-treatment MQ scores, long-term and short-term memory, as well as immediate memory scores, demonstrated no notable differences between the groups. Post-treatment, the research group exhibited significant increases in MQ scores, long-term memory, and short-term memory compared to baseline (P < 0.05), with these improvements being statistically superior to those in the control group. However, immediate memory scores exhibited no significant change (P > 0.05). Further, the research group demonstrated statistically better post-treatment scores on the Revised Wechsler Memory Scale than the control group. Furthermore, post-treatment P300 latency and amplitude improved significantly in the research group, surpassing the control group. EEG grading in the research group improved, and the incidence of adverse reactions was significantly lower than in the control group.

Conclusion: Patients with MCI receiving rTMS therapy demonstrated improved memory and cognitive functions and EEG grading and exhibited high safety with fewer adverse reactions.