Chinese scientists from Peking University have proven that transcranial magnetic stimulation of the brain can have a positive effect on some aspects of memory in patients with schizophrenia. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Neuropsychopharmacology Reports (NPPR).
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive method that uses alternating magnetic fields to create an electric current in brain tissue.
50 schizophrenia patients and 18 healthy controls participated in the study. Of the 50 patients, 26 received active stimulation and 24 received sham stimulation.
Neuroscientists have studied the effects of TMS on prospective memory, the type of memory responsible for intending about future actions. For example, it determines whether the person will remember to text their friend at the next meeting (based on an external event) and whether they will forget that this meeting was scheduled (based on a specific time).
Before the study, prospective memory scores in schizophrenia patients were significantly lower than in the control group. However, after TMS treatment, prospective memory for external events improved and became similar to that of a healthy person. Also, magnetic stimulation had no effect on time-dependent prospective memory.
Co-author Dr. “The results of this study may provide a treatment option for prospective memory in patients with schizophrenia,” said Su-xia Lee.
Previously, Russian scientists succeeded to increase Speed of brain reaction due to magnetic stimulation.