A review of transcranial magnetic stimulation in vascular dementia

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Vascular dementia (VaD) is a cognitive disorder caused by cerebrovascular disease, particularly affecting the elderly.
• VaD often coexists with Alzheimer's disease, sharing clinical and neurochemical features.
• Cerebrovascular lesions contribute to cognitive decline and impact neurodegenerative processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in understanding vascular dementia.
• To elucidate the neurophysiological profile of VaD using TMS.
• To explore the role of neurotransmission and neural plasticity in VaD pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies on vascular dementia.
• Analysis of neurophysiological data from TMS investigations.
• Examination of the relationship between cerebrovascular lesions and cortical excitability.

Main Results:

• TMS studies indicate a pattern of cortical hyperexcitability in VaD patients.
• This hyperexcitability is associated with disruptions in white matter integrity due to cerebrovascular disease.
• Evidence suggests altered neurotransmission pathways and impaired neuronal network remodeling.

Conclusions:

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offers valuable insights into the neurophysiology of vascular dementia.
• Cortical hyperexcitability is a potential biomarker for VaD, reflecting underlying white matter pathology.
• Further research using TMS can enhance understanding of VaD's complex pathogenesis, including neurotransmitter systems and neural plasticity.