Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition that gradually steals memories, cognitive abilities, and independence. For those facing the early stages of Alzheimer’s, there is often a strong desire to slow the decline — to hold onto clarity, memory, and function for as long as possible.

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s yet, emerging treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) are offering new hope.
Researchers are investigating how TMS might help boost cognitive function, enhance neuroplasticity, and potentially slow progression when used early in the disease.

Understanding Early Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of cases.
In the early stages, symptoms may include:

• Mild memory loss (such as forgetting recent events)

• Difficulty finding words

• Trouble concentrating

• Struggles with planning or organizing

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2024.
Early diagnosis is key because it creates an opportunity to intervene — and possibly improve quality of life before significant damage occurs.

Current treatments focus mainly on symptom management. Medications like donepezil and memantine may help temporarily slow decline, but they do not stop the disease.

That’s where interest in brain stimulation therapies like TMS is rapidly growing.

What Is TMS and How Might It Help?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate targeted regions of the brain.

It has already been FDA-approved to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and smoking cessation. But newer research is exploring how TMS can boost brain plasticity, enhance memory circuits, and improve executive function in individuals with cognitive decline.

The TMS process involves:

• A magnetic coil placed lightly against the scalp

• Magnetic pulses stimulating nerve cells beneath the coil

• No anesthesia, no surgery, and minimal side effects

• A series of sessions typically lasting 20–40 minutes each, spread over several weeks

You can learn more about how TMS works here at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Researchers believe that in Alzheimer’s, TMS may:

• Increase neuronal activity in areas responsible for memory and thinking

• Strengthen synaptic connections (the communication points between neurons)

• Promote neuroplasticity, helping the brain form new pathways around damaged areas

Research on TMS for Alzheimer’s Disease

Several studies have explored the effects of TMS on cognitive decline — and the early results are encouraging.

A randomized controlled trial published in Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy studied patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s who received high-frequency TMS to memory-related brain regions. After six weeks of treatment, the TMS group showed significant improvements in memory, language, and executive function compared to those who received a sham treatment.

Another review in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience concluded that repetitive TMS (rTMS) is associated with cognitive improvements in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early dementia. Although more research is needed, the review called TMS a “promising and safe” intervention that could play a role in future cognitive care strategies.

It’s important to note that TMS is not a cure for Alzheimer’s. It does not stop the disease or reverse brain damage. However, it may enhance brain function during the early stages, helping patients maintain higher cognitive ability for longer.

How TMS Might Improve Cognitive Function

TMS targets the brain areas most vulnerable in Alzheimer’s — including the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and parietal lobes.

Potential benefits seen in studies include:

1. Memory Enhancement: Stimulating memory circuits may help individuals recall recent information more easily, reduce forgetfulness, and improve overall recall.

2. Language and Communication Some participants show better word-finding ability and conversational fluency after a course of TMS treatments.

3. Executive Function Support TMS may enhance abilities like planning, organizing, and multitasking — skills often affected early in Alzheimer’s progression.

4. Mood and Motivation Depression and apathy are common symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Since TMS is already effective for depression, it may also lift mood and improve motivation in Alzheimer’s patients, creating better engagement with daily life.

Who Might Benefit Most from TMS for Alzheimer’s?

TMS may be most beneficial for individuals who:

• Are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease

• Have a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI)

• Are still highly functional in daily life but notice subtle memory or thinking issues

• Are looking for adjunctive treatments alongside medications, therapy, and lifestyle interventions

A full evaluation by a TMS provider is essential. Treatment plans can often be customized depending on the individual’s cognitive profile, goals, and health history.

What to Expect During TMS for Cognitive Support

The process for cognitive TMS treatment looks similar to protocols for depression, with some small adjustments to target memory and thinking areas more precisely.

Here’s what typically happens:

• Consultation: A comprehensive evaluation to confirm diagnosis and treatment candidacy

• Mapping: Using imaging or clinical guidelines to identify the best brain regions for stimulation

• Treatment Sessions: Daily sessions (5 days a week) over 4–6 weeks

• Monitoring Progress: Ongoing cognitive assessments to track improvement

TMS is generally well-tolerated. Mild scalp discomfort or headache during sessions is the most common side effect, but serious side effects are rare.

The Future of TMS in Alzheimer’s Care

While larger and longer-term studies are still needed, the early promise of TMS therapy is energizing the Alzheimer’s research community.

Scientists are continuing to explore:

• Optimal brain regions for stimulation

• Best frequencies and protocols for cognitive enhancement

• How combining TMS with cognitive training or memory exercises could amplify benefits

• Whether TMS could delay the progression from mild cognitive impairment to full dementia

As TMS research advances, it may become a valuable component of a multimodal approach to Alzheimer’s — complementing medications, lifestyle changes, and supportive therapies.

Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the greatest health challenges of our time. But with tools like TMS emerging on the horizon, there is growing hope for those seeking to preserve memory, thinking, and independence for as long as possible.