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TMS treatment for Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's is a brain disease that slowly impacts memory, thinking, and everyday abilities. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy for Alzheimer's may be able to help slow the progression and may also support individuals experiencing Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a condition often seen as an early stage of memory decline before Alzheimer's develops.

tms treatment for alzheimer’s

What is 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.

Alzheimer’s disease

Causes of Alzheimer’s

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.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

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.

Alzheimer’s treatment options

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.

 

How does TMS work as a treatment for Alzheimer’s?

tms-clinician-placing-coil-1

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.

Antibody vs Smart TMS for Alzheimer’s
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Feature Antibody Treatments Smart TMS
How it Works Clears amyloid-beta plaques via regular intravenous infusions Non-invasive magnetic pulses stimulate brain circuits for memory, attention, and mood
Approval & Access MHRA-approved, private-only, limited UK availability; requires PET/CSF confirmation, MRI monitoring, and a study partner NICE-approved for depression; emerging evidence for Alzheimer’s; accessible at Smart TMS centres with simple clinical assessment
Treatment Process Infusions every 2–4 weeks; hospital visits and scans Daily sessions x10, then weekly top-ups; outpatient, no needles
Safety Potential serious risks (swelling, bleeds, infusion reactions) → MRI monitoring required Minimal, temporary effects (mild headache, scalp discomfort)
Cost Very high, private-only (infusions + scans) Transparent pricing: £2,200–£2,500 per 10-session course; optional maintenance
Patient Impact Invasive, time-intensive, relies on a partner Convenient, non-invasive
Overall Cutting-edge, disease-modifying but invasive, costly, and limited Innovative, accessible, safer, and patient-friendly approach to maintaining quality of life

 

For individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment, Smart TMS provides a non-invasive way to stimulate cognitive networks before significant decline occurs, offering a proactive approach to maintaining brain health.

Treatment prices

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.

  London Other locations
Initial course
(10 sessions)
£2,500 £2,200
Second course
(10 sessions)
£2,500 £2,200

 

Continuous care

patient-greeted-by-friendly-clinician

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.

What our patients say...
"Highly efficient admin, helpful technicians, up to date equipment and practice. I could not have wished for a better service than from Smart TMS"
Felicity - 69,Manchester
"Very professional and friendly staff and I would recommend to other people needing help with their mental health"
Gary - 36,Southampton
"Super friendly & professional at all times, always happy share additional knowledge & tips as well as being flexible when needed."
Abi - 65,Dublin

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