Functional MRI-guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in cognitive impairment in cerebral small vessel disease

Introduction. Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is one of the leading causes of vascular and mixed cognitive impairment (CI). Treatment options for CSVD-associated CI are limited. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a promising non-drug treatment option. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of 10 rTMS sessions of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on cognitive functions in CSVD patients. Materials and methods. The study included 30 patients with CSVD and moderate CI randomized to the active (DLPFC stimulation; n = 20) and control (vertex stimulation; n = 10) groups. Both groups received 10 sessions of high-frequency rTMS. The DLPFC target was selected based on the individual paradigm fMRI data with a focus on executive functions. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), the Trail Making Test (TMT), the Tower of London Test, and the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test before, immediately after, and 3 months after the stimulation. Adverse events were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Results. The active group showed a significantly better effect compared to the control group according to MoCA, TMT A and B, The Tower of London Test, delayed recall on the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test immediately after the stimulation and MoCA, TMT A and B and The Tower of London 3 months after the stimulation. Adverse events in the study were mild and did not affect treatment adherence. Conclusion. rTMS is a promising, safe, and well-tolerated treatment option for mild cognitive impairment in CSVD. However, additional research is needed to make recommendations for its clinical use.