Picture this: your brain is a garden, and verbal memory is a prize-winning rose. Now imagine that a special tool called high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) comes along to give that rose some extra love and attention. Well, that’s exactly what this study explored! In a group of healthy older adults, researchers used rTMS on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with cognitive function. They found that after just two weeks of treatment, the participants’ verbal memory improved, both in immediate recall and delayed recall. It’s like giving that prized rose some extra water and fertilizer – it blooms beautifully! But why does this happen? The researchers also discovered that the rTMS increased functional connectivity within the default mode network (DMN), specifically in the bilateral precuneus. This network is like a group of friends in your brain that help you remember and process information. The study suggests that by boosting this network with rTMS, older adults can enhance their verbal memory. This finding not only brings us closer to unlocking the mystery behind how rTMS works, but also offers hope for using this technique to treat cognitive disorders. So, if you’re curious about this fascinating research and want to dive deeper into the subject, don’t forget to check out the full article!
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is a non-invasive effective treatment for cognitive disorder, but its underlying mechanism of action remains unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of a 2-week high-frequency (HF) active or sham 10 Hz rTMS on verbal memory in 40 healthy older adults. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) was used to measure functional connectivity (FC) within the default mode network (DMN). Verbal memory performance was evaluated using an auditory verbal learning test (AVLT). Additionally, we evaluated the relationship between memory improvement and FC changes within the DMN. The results revealed that HF-rTMS can enhance immediate recall and delayed recall of verbal memory and increased the FC of the bilateral precuneus (PCUN) within the DMN. The positive correlations between the immediate recall memory and the FC of the left PCUN after a 2-week intervention of HF-rTMS were detected. In conclusion, HF-rTMS may have the potential to improve verbal memory performance in older adults, which relation to FC changes in the DMN. The current findings are useful for increasing the understanding of the mechanisms of HF-rTMS, as well as guiding HF-rTMS treatment of cognitive disorders.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.