TMS treatment for Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a condition that leads to a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning abilities. It primarily affects older adults, but younger people can also develop early-onset Alzheimer's. The disease progresses slowly over time and significantly impacts daily life and independence.

Before Alzheimer’s develops, many individuals experience Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) — a stage where memory or thinking issues are noticeable but do not yet interfere significantly with daily function. Early TMS intervention at the MCI stage may help support brain health and slow further decline.

The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is still not fully understood, but several factors may increase the risk, including:

• Advancing age
• Family history of the disease
• Untreated depression
• Lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, and lack of
• physical activity
• Conditions that affect heart and vascular health
• Biological processes: build up of proteins (amyloid plaques and tau tangles) in and around brain cells.
  
  

While these factors may raise the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s, they do not guarantee it. Research also suggests that early detection and proactive management of Mild Cognitive Impairment may reduce the risk or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition, meaning symptoms worsen over time. Common early signs include:

• Memory lapses, such as forgetting recent events or names
• Difficulty finding words or making decisions
• Getting confused or disoriented, even in familiar places
• Changes in behaviour, mood, or personality
• Trouble performing everyday tasks without help
• Later stages may include hallucinations, delusions, and problems with mobility and self-care
  
  

In the case of Mild Cognitive Impairment, symptoms are typically milder but may include subtle memory problems, difficulty concentrating, or reduced processing speed. TMS treatment for MCI may help improve cognitive performance and delay progression.

Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, various treatments can help manage symptoms and support quality of life. These may include:

• Medications to temporarily improve memory or slow symptom progression
• Cognitive stimulation therapy to support mental functioning
• Home adaptations to promote independence
• Psychological support and palliative care for both individuals and their families
• Antibody treatments that work by clearing amyloid plaques to help slow early disease progression
  
  

Early diagnosis offers the best chance to access treatment and plan for the future. Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment can also benefit from early interventions such as TMS, lifestyle adjustments, and cognitive training to maintain brain function.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. Approved by NICE for depression, TMS is now showing promise as a therapy for Alzheimer’s and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

Recent studies have found that:

• TMS may slow cognitive decline in people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s and improve memory in those with MCI
• It can improve memory, daily functioning, and behavioural symptoms
• TMS is generally safe, with minimal and temporary side effects
• The therapy appears most effective when started early and tailored to the individual
  
  

TMS is emerging as a hopeful new approach for those looking to maintain cognitive function and quality of life in the face of Alzheimer’s or Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Assessment price

After completing your online questionnaires, you'll have a video chat with one of our expert clinicians. This session is an opportunity for you to discuss your condition in detail, ask any questions you may have, and receive personalised advice on how TMS treatment can benefit you.

You will then come into your chosen clinic for in-person MOCA testing with one of our expert TMS practitioners so we can assess your condition and confirm that TMS is the right option for you — whether for Alzheimer’s disease or Mild Cognitive Impairment.

The cost of this assessment is £350.

Alzheimer's treatment prices

TMS for Alzheimer’s can enhance circuits involved in memory, attention, and executive function. A typical protocol involves daily sessions for 10 days, followed by weekly sessions for 10 weeks. After 10–15 sessions, treatment is reviewed to decide whether to continue weekly sessions long-term.

The same approach can also be adapted for individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment to help maintain cognitive performance and delay further decline.

Dr Neal and his team understand the need to help our patients stay well beyond the end of their TMS treatment. Using research and our own experience, we have designed aftercare packages to provide ongoing care with a planned programme of regular top-up treatments.

Have you had TMS treatment for depression at another clinic? Smart TMS can offer you maintenance therapy, too.