Madrid, Spain – A groundbreaking study conducted by the public healthcare system in Madrid has revealed that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy doesn’t just slow the progression of primary progressive aphasia (PPA), but in some cases, appears too improve cognitive function compared to patients who don’t receive the treatment. The findings, spearheaded by Dr. ana Guiu, a neurologist at the hospital Universitario La Paz, offer a potential non-pharmacological intervention for this debilitating neurodegenerative disease.
PPA, a rare neurological disorder affecting language abilities, is often linked to underlying conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. the study, involving 35 patients diagnosed with PPA at La Paz University Hospital over a two-year period (2022-2024), demonstrated that TMS therapy, administered three times weekly for six months, led to stabilization or even enhancement of linguistic skills in a critically important portion of participants. Specifically,60% of patients showed no further decline in language function,while 20% exhibited measurable improvements in verbal fluency and comprehension.
“contrary to expectations, we observed that TMS therapy is not necessarily slower, or even in some aspects improves compared to those who do not receive the therapy,” Dr. Guiu stated in a press conference held on May 15, 2024. The research team utilized a 1 Hz TMS protocol targeting the left inferior frontal gyrus, a brain region crucial for language processing.
This discovery marks a significant advancement for PPA patients and their families, opening a new avenue for non-pharmacological interventions capable of possibly altering the course of neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, speech therapy remains the primary treatment option, but its effectiveness is often limited by the progressive nature of the illness. The study suggests TMS could offer a complementary or alternative approach.
PPA is characterized by a gradual loss of linguistic capabilities and can also impact other cognitive domains, leading to behavioral changes. The condition typically affects individuals between the ages of 55 and 80, with an estimated prevalence of 5-10 cases per 100,000 people. Early diagnosis is often challenging, as symptoms can mimic other forms of dementia.
Prior to this research, no treatment, aside from speech therapy, had demonstrated consistent benefits for PPA. The Madrid healthcare system is now exploring the possibility of expanding access to TMS therapy for PPA patients, with plans to establish specialized treatment centers at several major hospitals across the Community of Madrid, including hospital 12 de Octubre and Hospital Gregorio Maraรฑรณn. Further research is planned to investigate the long-term effects of TMS and to identify which patients are most likely to benefit from the therapy.