Researchers at Peking University have demonstrated that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can yield measurable improvements in certain memory functions among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. The finding appears in a scientific report within Neuropsychopharmacology Reports (NPPR).
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a noninvasive technique that uses changing magnetic fields to induce electrical activity in targeted brain tissue, potentially altering neural processes underlying memory and cognition.
The study enrolled 50 patients with schizophrenia and 18 healthy control participants. Of the patients, 26 received active TMS, while 24 received a sham procedure designed to mimic the experience without delivering effective stimulation.
Scientists examined how TMS affects prospective memory, the type of memory that governs the ability to remember to perform future actions. For example, this includes remembering to text a friend at a scheduled meeting if an external cue signals the event, and remembering that an upcoming meeting has been set on the calendar despite other distractions.
Before treatment, prospective memory scores for patients with schizophrenia were notably lower than those of healthy controls. Following the TMS sessions, external event–driven prospective memory improved and aligned with the performance level observed in healthy individuals. In contrast, the ability to remember based on a specific time did not show a beneficial response to magnetic stimulation.
The study’s co-author summarized the impact by noting that these results may offer a potential new approach for addressing prospective memory deficits in schizophrenia, broadening the scope of cognitive interventions for the condition.
Earlier work from researchers in Russia demonstrated a similar concept, showing that magnetic stimulation could accelerate certain aspects of brain processing speed, underscoring the broad interest in noninvasive neuromodulation as a tool to support cognitive functions.
In considering the implications, experts emphasize that while TMS shows promise for improving particular memory processes, it is not a universal remedy. Continued research is needed to identify which patients may benefit most, determine optimal stimulation parameters, and understand how such interventions interact with standard treatments for schizophrenia. The current findings contribute to a growing body of evidence that targeted brain stimulation can modulate memory networks with potential clinical relevance for cognitive rehabilitation and daily functioning.
As the field advances, researchers advocate for larger, longer-term trials to assess durability of gains, safety across diverse populations, and the integration of TMS into multi-modal treatment plans. The evolving picture suggests that noninvasive brain stimulation could become a valuable component in comprehensive strategies to support memory and everyday independence for individuals living with schizophrenia. (Source: Neuropsychopharmacology Reports)