Could Personalized rTMS Transform Alzheimer’s Treatment?

Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the most difficult conditions to treat in modern medicine. But recent research into personalized repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is offering new hope—potentially changing the way we support cognitive health in people living with Alzheimer's.

At Goodwin Health Cafe, we’re always looking at the frontier of interventional psychiatry, and this emerging work in rTMS is worth paying attention to.

What Is rTMS?

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared therapy most commonly used to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). It uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain that are underactive in conditions like depression. Because it’s non-invasive and doesn’t involve medication, rTMS is generally well tolerated and has become increasingly mainstream in the mental health field.

Now, researchers are beginning to explore how this same approach might apply to neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, with an added twist: personalization.

Why Personalization Matters in Brain Stimulation

Dr. David T. Jones, a neurologist and researcher at Mayo Clinic, is part of a team that’s piloting personalized rTMS protocols for individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early-stage Alzheimer’s.

Here’s the key insight: no two brains are exactly alike, and in Alzheimer’s disease, the way neural networks deteriorate can vary significantly from person to person.

Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all protocol, Jones and his team use individualized brain network mapping—including resting-state functional MRI (fMRI)—to identify which regions are most disrupted in each patient. The rTMS is then precisely targeted based on that map, allowing for tailored stimulation that could enhance cognitive performance and delay progression.

Promising Early Results

Although the research is still in its early stages, initial data suggest that personalized rTMS may improve working memory, attention, and executive function in people with Alzheimer’s-related cognitive decline. Importantly, these improvements were observed after only a few weeks of treatment, with no serious side effects reported.

Dr. Jones notes that what makes this approach different is the ability to stimulate specific nodes within attention and memory-related brain networks, rather than relying on anatomical landmarks alone. It’s a more nuanced, functional approach—one that aligns well with modern neuroscience.

The Future of Alzheimer’s Care?

While rTMS is not yet an FDA-approved treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, the potential is compelling. Larger, long-term studies are still needed to understand its full effects, but the hope is that targeted brain stimulation could one day complement existing therapies or even delay the onset of more severe symptoms.

At Goodwin Health Cafe, we believe in staying ahead of the curve—and that includes keeping a close eye on the intersection of mental health, neurology, and technology.

What This Means for You or a Loved One

If you or someone you love is navigating early cognitive decline, it’s essential to explore all available options—and to stay informed about what’s coming next.

We currently offer rTMS for FDA-cleared uses such as Major Depressive Disorder, and we’re happy to talk about emerging research and how brain-based therapies may evolve in the future.

For questions about TMS, or to see whether it might be right for you, contact us here or visit our clinic information page.