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Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Mild Cognitive Impairment

Noninvasive Cortical Stimulation to Improve Memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03331796
Enrollment
69
Registered
2017-11-06
Start date
2018-06-15
Completion date
2023-03-28
Last updated
2025-09-03

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Cognitive Decline, Cognitive Dysfunction, Memory Decline, Memory Impairment, Memory Loss, Mental Deterioration, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Mild Neurocognitive Disorder

Keywords

mild cognitive impairment, tms, rtms, transcranial magnetic stimulation, noninvasive brain stimulation, non-pharmacological

Brief summary

The goal of this study is to test the efficacy of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) as a treatment for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: Group 1: Active Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) rTMS; Group 2: Active Lateral Parietal Cortex (LPC) rTMS; and Group 3: Inactive rTMS (Placebo) control (evenly split between each coil location). Participation in the study takes approximately 7 ½ months-including a 2-to 4-week treatment phase (20 rTMS sessions) and a 6-month follow-up phase.

Detailed description

This study aims to test the efficacy of a non-pharmacological treatment for MCI that involves noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS). Early studies in Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia patients have found that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS, a form of NIBS) improved global cognitive function and activities of daily living. Given that in AD, neuronal loss and synaptic dysfunction progress along brain networks, the results of these early studies of brain stimulation suggest there is sufficient neuroplasticity in AD for efficacious effects of brain stimulation. Of the very few rTMS studies in MCI that have been published, the effect size appears to be moderately large. However, it is not clear whether the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the stimulation site used in the most of the prior MCI/AD rTMS trials, is the optimal site for achieving the most efficacious effects including effects on episodic memory. Importantly, when other investigators used rTMS to stimulate a lateral parietal cortical (LPC) site in healthy young adults, significant effects of rTMS on memory were measureable weeks later. Moreover, functional connectivity of brain regions was selectively increased, including the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), a hub of brain networks that is affected in amnestic MCI. Because stimulation of the DLPFC and the LPC may each have distinct effects, we designed this pilot trial to have two active rTMS treatment groups: DLPFC and LPC. A third group will receive inactive (placebo) rTMS to achieve a controlled, randomized, double-blind trial. For each of the three groups, stimulation will be bilateral, based on effects achieved in the AD studies. The primary hypothesis is that active rTMS (to either site of stimulation) will be superior to inactive (placebo) rTMS in improving memory. Measures of change in functional connectivity will be computed to examine whether there is evidence that rTMS changes connectivity of the PCC with other regions of the brain. In addition to looking at effects of rTMS on functional connectivity and cognition in relation to the cortical site stimulated, genetic markers will be collected toward addressing heterogeneity of response. To track the durability of rTMS effects on memory, participants will be followed longer than in any prior study (up to 6 months after the intervention). If this study finds rTMS improves memory in older adults with MCI, further clinical development of this non-pharmacological treatment could ultimately improve the lives of millions of older adults who have MCI and are at an increased risk of developing dementia.

Interventions

DEVICEActive rTMS (Bilateral DLPFC)

TMS Stimulation Parameters for the active DLPFC rTMS intervention group will be: 10 Hz, 4-second train duration and 11-second inter-train interval. During each session, 2,000 pulses will be applied for each hemisphere (for a total of 4,000 pulses per session). Participants will receive 20 sessions (1 or 2 sessions per day, M-F).

DEVICEActive rTMS (Bilateral LPC)

TMS Stimulation Parameters for the active LPC rTMS intervention group will be: 10 Hz, 4-second train duration and 11-second inter-train interval. During each session, 2,000 pulses will be applied for each hemisphere (for a total of 4,000 pulses per session). Participants will receive 20 sessions (1 or 2 sessions per day, M-F).

DEVICEPlacebo rTMS (Inactive)

For the Placebo rTMS (Inactive) group, the participant will wear scalp electrodes through which a low voltage, low electric current (2-20mA at no more than 100V) is passed to mimic the sensation of receiving actual rTMS. Participants will receive 20 sessions (1 or 2 sessions per day, M-F).

Sponsors

National Institute on Aging (NIA)
CollaboratorNIH
Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
55 Years to 90 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Both Veterans and Non-Veterans may enroll if they meet the following criteria \*\* Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI); * Stable medications (including any dementia-related meds) for at least 4 weeks prior to Baseline; * Geriatric Depression Scale score less than 6; * Ability to obtain a motor threshold, determined during the screening process; * Study partner available; living situation enables attendance at clinic visits; * Visual and auditory acuity adequate for neuropsychological testing; * Good general health with no diseases expected to interfere with the study; * Participant is not pregnant or of childbearing potential (i.e. women must be 2 years post-menopausal or surgically sterile); * Modified Hachinski Ischemic score less than or equal to 4; * Agree to DNA extraction for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping; * Able to understand study procedures and comply with them for the entire length of the study.

Exclusion criteria

* Prior exposure to rTMS within the past 12 months; * Magnetic field safety concern such as a cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implant, implanted device in the brain (deep brain stimulation), or metal fragments or foreign objects in the eyes, skin or body; * Any significant neurological disease other than suspected incipient Alzheimer's disease; * Unstable cardiac disease or recent (\< 3 months previous) myocardial infarction. Any significant systemic illness or unstable medical condition that could lead to difficulty with protocol adherence; * History of epilepsy or repetitive seizures, as determined by patient report or chart review; * History of a medical condition or current use/abuse of medications and substances that increase the risk of a seizure, specifically: * Traumatic brain injury within 2 months that would increase the risk for seizure; * Unable to safely withdraw, at least 4 weeks prior to Baseline, from medications that substantially increase the risk of having seizures (for example: theophylline, clozapine, and methylphenidate). * Current or past history of a mass lesion, cerebral infarct, or other noncognitive active neurological disease that would increase the risk for seizure. * Stimulant abuse within the previous 90 days. Cocaine and abuse of amphetamine and methylphenidate are associated with an increased risk of seizures; * Major depression or bipolar disorder (DSM-IV) within the past 1 year, or psychotic features within the last 3 months that could lead to difficulty with protocol adherence; * Taking sedative hypnotics or medications with anti-cholinergic properties and unable to withdraw at least 4 weeks prior to Baseline; * Current alcohol or substance abuse (not including caffeine or nicotine) within the past 1 year, as determined by chart review, participant or study partner report, or greater than moderate alcohol use defined by the Quantity-Frequency-Variability Index (Cahalan, Cisin, & Crossley, 1969); * Any contraindications for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies, e.g. severe claustrophobia, weight above 350 lb maximum allowed by MRI scanner, pregnancy; * Participation in another concurrent clinical trial; * Inability or unwillingness of individual or legal representative to give written informed consent.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Total Number of Words Correctly Recalled, List Learning, California Verbal Learning Test-II, Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.The California Verbal Learning Test, Second edition (CVLT-II) is a memory task that yields several indices of the ability to learn a list of semantically related words and remember the list after a delay interval. The target list (List A) of the CVLT-II contains 16 words. There are 5 orally presented learning trials; each is followed by immediate recall of the words in any order. The total number of words correctly recalled on the 5 list-learning trials was computed (range = 0 to 80). Higher values represent a better outcome.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II) Semantic Clustering Score, 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.The California Verbal Learning Test, Second edition (CVLT-II) is a memory task that yields several indices of the ability to learn a list of 16 semantically related words and remember the list after a delay interval. There are 5 orally presented learning trials; each is followed by immediate recall of the words in any order. A measure of semantic clustering is calculated by a computer program. It is a measure of the participant's tendency to recall words in semantically organized clusters (e.g. the participant recalled apple and orange even though the two fruit words were not presented sequentially). The computer algorithm includes words recalled on Trials 1-5 and adjusts for the possibility that a semantic cluster occurred by chance. The range of CVLT-II Semantic Clustering Scores is -3 to 9. Higher values represent a better outcome.
Total Number of Words Correctly Recalled During the Long Delay Free Recall Component of the California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the interventionThe California Verbal Learning Test, Second edition (CVLT-II) is a memory task that yields several indices of the ability to learn a list of semantically related words and remember the list after a delay interval. The target list (List A) of the CVLT-II contains 16 words. After 5 learning trials and a subsequent 20-minute delay filled with unrelated tests, the participant was asked to recall the 16-word target list of the CVLT-II again. The total number of words correctly recalled was computed (range = 0 to 16). Higher values represent a better outcome.
Depressive Symptoms, as Measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.The 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was also used as an outcome measure. Five of the GDS items are oriented toward the absence of depressive symptoms (e.g., Do you feel full of energy?) and 10 are oriented toward current depressive symptoms (e.g., Do you often feel helpless?). The participant is asked to answer yes or no on the basis of how they have been feeling over the past week. The GDS total score ranges from 0 to 15. Lower values represent a better outcome.
Everyday Functional Outcomes, as Measured by the Everyday Cognition (ECog) Questionnaire (Participant Version) Completed 1 Week After Intervention1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the interventionThe Everyday Cognition (ECog) questionnaire is comprised of 39 items about the ability to perform everyday tasks. Each item relates to memory, language, visual-spatial, or executive function. Each item is rated on a scale from 1 to 4 (1 = better or no change…4 = consistently much worse compared to 10 years ago). For the Participant version of the ECog, the participant is asked to Please rate your ability to perform certain everyday tasks now, as compared to your ability to do these same tasks 10 years ago. Total score range: 39-156. Higher values represent a worse outcome. The outcome score was adjusted for baseline.
Everyday Functional Outcomes, as Measured by the Everyday Cognition Questionnaire (Informant /Study Partner Version) Completed 1 Week After Intervention1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the interventionThe Everyday Cognition (ECog) questionnaire is comprised of 39 items about the ability to perform everyday tasks. Each item relates to memory, language, visual-spatial, or executive function. Each item is rated on a scale from 1 to 4 (1 = better or no change…4 = consistently much worse compared to 10 years ago). For the Informant version of the ECog, the participant's study partner was asked to Please rate the participant's ability to perform certain everyday tasks NOW, as compared to his/her ability to do these same tasks 10 years ago. Total score range: 39-156. Higher values represent a worse outcome. The outcome score was adjusted for baseline.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), as Measured by the Functional Assessment Questionnaire, Completed 1 Week After Intervention1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.Functional Assessment Questionnaire, completed by the study partner at end of treatment (1 week after intervention, adjusted for baseline). Each 10 item is rated on a scale from 0 to 3 (0 = Normal; 1 = Has difficulty, but does by self; 2 = Requires assistance; 3 = Dependent. Total score range: 0-30 (sum of 10 items). Interpretation: A total score of 9 (dependent in 3 or more activities) is the recommended cut-point for an indication of impaired function. Higher values represent a worse outcome.
Global Cognitive Function, as Measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the interventionThe Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a brief measure of global cognitive function. The total score has a range of 0 to 30; higher values represent a better outcome.
Total Number of Words Correctly Recalled, List Learning, California Verbal Learning Test-II, Assessed 3 Months After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance3 months after completing the 20-session intervention (acceptable window for assessment: 76-104 days after the final intervention session)The California Verbal Learning Test, Second edition (CVLT-II) is a memory task that yields several indices of the ability to learn a list of semantically related words and remember the list after a delay interval. The target list (List A) of the CVLT-II contains 16 words. There are 5 orally presented learning trials; each is followed by immediate recall of the words in any order. The total number of words correctly recalled on the 5 list-learning trials was computed (range = 0 to 80). Higher values represent a better outcome.
Language Function, as Measured by Category Fluency (CF), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.Category Fluency is a measure of verbal fluency in which the participant is asked to generate different exemplars from a semantic category specified by the examiner. For example, if the examiner says, 'articles of clothing,' correct responses include exemplars such as, 'shirt,' 'tie,' or 'hat.' The participant is given one minute to say all the responses they can think of. The values reported reflect the total number of correct, unique responses produced. Higher values represent a better outcome.
Language Function, as Measured by 42-item Boston Naming Test (BNT), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.The Boston Naming Test (BNT) assesses the ability to verbally name pictured objects. The subject is shown a series of line drawings and asked to name the object. The test items become progressively more difficult. (The 42 items are presented in order of decreasing frequency of the target word). The total number of correct responses can range from 0 to 42. Higher values represent a better outcome.
Visuoconstructional Function, as Measured by the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) Copy Score, assessed1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance.1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) Copy score at end of treatment (1 week after intervention, adjusted for baseline); range: 0-36; higher values represent a better outcome
Speed of Processing and Executive Function, as Measured by Trail Making Part B, Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.In the Trail Making Part B test, the response form has a series of 25 circles; each circle contains a number or a letter. The participant is asked to connect the circles in order by alternating between the numbers and letters. The maximum time allowed is 300 seconds. Trails B is thought to require executive skills as well as processing speed. The Trail Making B seconds-to-complete scores were log transformed because the distribution of scores was positively skewed. We also reverse scored the log scores so that higher values would indicate a better outcome. To reverse the log scores, we used the formula: reverse score = max(x) + 1 - x, where max(x) is the natural log of 300 or 5.70378. For example, if a participant's time-to-complete score was 74 seconds, the natural log transformed score was 4.304. Reverse scoring yields a value of 2.4 (2.4 = 5.70378 + 1 - 4.304). The reverse-scaled, log transformed seconds-to-complete scores were used in all statistical analyses.
Attention, as Measured by the Attentional Network Task (ANT), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performanceplanned: 1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.Attentional Network Task(ANT) correct reaction time, as measured by the ANT computerized test
Change From Baseline in Brain Functional Connectivityplanned: 1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.Change from Baseline in Functional connectivity metrics (derived from the pre- and the post-intervention functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans rs-fMRI scans) will be computed with respect to: connectivity within the Default Mode Network (DMN), and connectivity between the DMN and the Central Executive Network (CEN).
Pre-post Change in Peripheral Levels of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)First Intervention session to Last Intervention session. The average time frame from the first to the 20th and last session is 18 days.Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) plasma levels were measured from blood samples that were collected during the first session and the last session of TMS intervention, after a minimum of 4 hours of fasting. Higher change scores represent a better outcome.
Visuospatial Memory, as Measured by the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R), assessed1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R) Trials 1-3 total recall raw score at end of treatment (1 week after intervention, adjusted for baseline); range: 0-36; higher values represent a better outcome

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Recruitment details

Participants were enrolled at the Stanford/VA Aging Clinical Research Center over a 4-year period, which included a 13-month hiatus during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The study was open for recruitment on 05/16/2018. The first participant was enrolled and randomized on 06/15/2018; the last participant was enrolled and randomized on 11/22/2022.

Pre-assignment details

Of 69 consented, screened participants, 40 participants met inclusion/exclusion criteria and were randomized to treatment. This was a dyad study, such that each amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) participant who enrolled in the study had a study partner whose role was to provide collateral data about the primary participant's everyday functioning. Study partners were not assessed for outcomes such as caregiver burden; therefore, the study partners are not considered enrolled.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Active rTMS (Bilateral DLPFC)
One-third of participants will receive active rTMS to the right and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Active rTMS (Bilateral DLPFC): TMS Stimulation Parameters for the active DLPFC rTMS intervention group will be: 10 Hz, 4-second train duration and 11-second inter-train interval. During each session, 2,000 pulses will be applied for each hemisphere (for a total of 4,000 pulses per session). Participants will receive 20 sessions (1 or 2 sessions per day, M-F).
14
Active rTMS (Bilateral LPC)
One-third of participants will receive active rTMS to the right and left lateral parietal cortex (LPC). Active rTMS (Bilateral LPC): TMS Stimulation Parameters for the active LPC rTMS intervention group will be: 10 Hz, 4-second train duration and 11-second inter-train interval. During each session, 2,000 pulses will be applied for each hemisphere (for a total of 4,000 pulses per session). Participants will receive 20 sessions (1 or 2 sessions per day, M-F).
12
Placebo rTMS (Inactive)
One-third of participants will receive placebo/inactive rTMS, either to the DLPFC or the LPC. Those receiving placebo rTMS will serve as the control group. Placebo rTMS (Inactive): For the Placebo rTMS (Inactive) group, the participant will wear scalp electrodes through which a low voltage, low electric current (2-20mA at no more than 100V) is passed to mimic the sensation of receiving actual rTMS. Participants will receive 20 sessions (1 or 2 sessions per day, M-F).
11
Total37

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001FG002
Allocation and Primary EndpointPandemic Disruption011
Allocation and Primary EndpointWithdrawal by Subject001
Extended Follow-upAdverse Event101
Extended Follow-upLost to Follow-up001
Extended Follow-upTermination of Funding010
Extended Follow-upWithdrawal by Subject100

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicActive rTMS (Bilateral DLPFC)Active rTMS (Bilateral LPC)Placebo rTMS (Inactive)Total
Age, Continuous73.6 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.8
75.7 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.5
74.0 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.3
74.4 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.1
Baseline Depressive Symptoms, as Measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale Total Score2.6 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.6
1.6 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.3
2.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.3
2.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.5
Baseline Global Cognitive Function, as Measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment total score23.6 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.6
23.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.6
23.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.7
23.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.7
Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes Score1.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.7
1.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.5
1.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.6
1.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.6
Education17.0 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.7
16.9 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.2
17.1 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.5
17.0 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.4
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
1 Participants1 Participants0 Participants2 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
12 Participants10 Participants11 Participants33 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
1 Participants1 Participants0 Participants2 Participants
Logical Memory II subscale (Delayed Recall, Story A only)6.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.1
8.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.4
7.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.6
7.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.9
Mild Cognitive Impairment Stage
Early
6 Participants7 Participants5 Participants18 Participants
Mild Cognitive Impairment Stage
Late
8 Participants5 Participants6 Participants19 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
1 Participants0 Participants0 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
2 Participants1 Participants1 Participants4 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
1 Participants1 Participants0 Participants2 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants1 Participants1 Participants2 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants1 Participants0 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
10 Participants8 Participants9 Participants27 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
14 participants12 participants11 participants37 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
5 Participants6 Participants5 Participants16 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
9 Participants6 Participants6 Participants21 Participants
Total number of words correctly recalled, List Learning, California Verbal Learning Test-II36.1 total number of words correctly recalled
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.5
47.0 total number of words correctly recalled
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.2
39.7 total number of words correctly recalled
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.2
40.7 total number of words correctly recalled
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.3

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 140 / 130 / 13
other
Total, other adverse events
5 / 145 / 133 / 13
serious
Total, serious adverse events
1 / 140 / 132 / 13

Outcome results

Primary

Total Number of Words Correctly Recalled, List Learning, California Verbal Learning Test-II, Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance

The California Verbal Learning Test, Second edition (CVLT-II) is a memory task that yields several indices of the ability to learn a list of semantically related words and remember the list after a delay interval. The target list (List A) of the CVLT-II contains 16 words. There are 5 orally presented learning trials; each is followed by immediate recall of the words in any order. The total number of words correctly recalled on the 5 list-learning trials was computed (range = 0 to 80). Higher values represent a better outcome.

Time frame: 1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.

Population: The population analyzed included all participants who received at least 1 session of the intervention and who provided primary outcome data at the 1-week primary endpoint.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Active rTMS (Bilateral DLPFC)Total Number of Words Correctly Recalled, List Learning, California Verbal Learning Test-II, Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance36.1 total number of words correctly recalledStandard Deviation 11
Active rTMS (Bilateral LPC)Total Number of Words Correctly Recalled, List Learning, California Verbal Learning Test-II, Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance48.8 total number of words correctly recalledStandard Deviation 8.7
Placebo rTMS (Inactive)Total Number of Words Correctly Recalled, List Learning, California Verbal Learning Test-II, Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance37.0 total number of words correctly recalledStandard Deviation 11.4
p-value: 0.6395% CI: [-4.8, 7.9]Regression, Linear
p-value: 0.047695% CI: [0.1, 13.7]Regression, Linear
Secondary

Attention, as Measured by the Attentional Network Task (ANT), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance

Attentional Network Task(ANT) correct reaction time, as measured by the ANT computerized test

Time frame: planned: 1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.

Population: There are no data to report in the Outcome Measure Data Table because the protocol was modified (i.e., amended) to not administer the Attention Network Task. The amendment can be found on page 63 of the updated Study Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan, dated 09/19/2019.

Secondary

California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II) Semantic Clustering Score, 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance

The California Verbal Learning Test, Second edition (CVLT-II) is a memory task that yields several indices of the ability to learn a list of 16 semantically related words and remember the list after a delay interval. There are 5 orally presented learning trials; each is followed by immediate recall of the words in any order. A measure of semantic clustering is calculated by a computer program. It is a measure of the participant's tendency to recall words in semantically organized clusters (e.g. the participant recalled apple and orange even though the two fruit words were not presented sequentially). The computer algorithm includes words recalled on Trials 1-5 and adjusts for the possibility that a semantic cluster occurred by chance. The range of CVLT-II Semantic Clustering Scores is -3 to 9. Higher values represent a better outcome.

Time frame: 1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.

Population: The population analyzed included all participants who received at least 1 session of the intervention and who provided outcome data at the 1-week endpoint.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Active rTMS (Bilateral DLPFC)California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II) Semantic Clustering Score, 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance0.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1
Active rTMS (Bilateral LPC)California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II) Semantic Clustering Score, 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance0.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.2
Placebo rTMS (Inactive)California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II) Semantic Clustering Score, 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance0.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.6
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.2995% CI: [-0.36, 1.19]Regression, Linear
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.5195% CI: [-0.55, 1.08]Regression, Linear
Secondary

Change From Baseline in Brain Functional Connectivity

Change from Baseline in Functional connectivity metrics (derived from the pre- and the post-intervention functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans rs-fMRI scans) will be computed with respect to: connectivity within the Default Mode Network (DMN), and connectivity between the DMN and the Central Executive Network (CEN).

Time frame: planned: 1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.

Population: Data cannot be reported because change from Baseline in Functional connectivity metrics required post-intervention resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan data that could not be acquired after March of 2020 due to COVID-19 suspension of in-person research and subsequent early termination of the NIA award in August of 2021.

Secondary

Depressive Symptoms, as Measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance

The 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was also used as an outcome measure. Five of the GDS items are oriented toward the absence of depressive symptoms (e.g., Do you feel full of energy?) and 10 are oriented toward current depressive symptoms (e.g., Do you often feel helpless?). The participant is asked to answer yes or no on the basis of how they have been feeling over the past week. The GDS total score ranges from 0 to 15. Lower values represent a better outcome.

Time frame: 1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.

Population: The population analyzed included all participants who received at least 1 session of the intervention and who provided outcome data at the 1-week endpoint.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Active rTMS (Bilateral DLPFC)Depressive Symptoms, as Measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance3.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.3
Active rTMS (Bilateral LPC)Depressive Symptoms, as Measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance1.9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.2
Placebo rTMS (Inactive)Depressive Symptoms, as Measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance2.9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.3
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.5895% CI: [-1.1, 2]Regression, Linear
p-value: 0.5995% CI: [-2.2, 1.3]Regression, Linear
Secondary

Everyday Functional Outcomes, as Measured by the Everyday Cognition (ECog) Questionnaire (Participant Version) Completed 1 Week After Intervention

The Everyday Cognition (ECog) questionnaire is comprised of 39 items about the ability to perform everyday tasks. Each item relates to memory, language, visual-spatial, or executive function. Each item is rated on a scale from 1 to 4 (1 = better or no change…4 = consistently much worse compared to 10 years ago). For the Participant version of the ECog, the participant is asked to Please rate your ability to perform certain everyday tasks now, as compared to your ability to do these same tasks 10 years ago. Total score range: 39-156. Higher values represent a worse outcome. The outcome score was adjusted for baseline.

Time frame: 1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention

Population: The population analyzed included all participants who received at least 1 session of the intervention and who provided outcome data at the 1-week endpoint.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Active rTMS (Bilateral DLPFC)Everyday Functional Outcomes, as Measured by the Everyday Cognition (ECog) Questionnaire (Participant Version) Completed 1 Week After Intervention84.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 21
Active rTMS (Bilateral LPC)Everyday Functional Outcomes, as Measured by the Everyday Cognition (ECog) Questionnaire (Participant Version) Completed 1 Week After Intervention66.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 12.7
Placebo rTMS (Inactive)Everyday Functional Outcomes, as Measured by the Everyday Cognition (ECog) Questionnaire (Participant Version) Completed 1 Week After Intervention72.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 16.1
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.395% CI: [-5.2, 16.1]Regression, Linear
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.3495% CI: [-14.9, 5.3]Regression, Linear
Secondary

Everyday Functional Outcomes, as Measured by the Everyday Cognition Questionnaire (Informant /Study Partner Version) Completed 1 Week After Intervention

The Everyday Cognition (ECog) questionnaire is comprised of 39 items about the ability to perform everyday tasks. Each item relates to memory, language, visual-spatial, or executive function. Each item is rated on a scale from 1 to 4 (1 = better or no change…4 = consistently much worse compared to 10 years ago). For the Informant version of the ECog, the participant's study partner was asked to Please rate the participant's ability to perform certain everyday tasks NOW, as compared to his/her ability to do these same tasks 10 years ago. Total score range: 39-156. Higher values represent a worse outcome. The outcome score was adjusted for baseline.

Time frame: 1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention

Population: The population analyzed included the study partners of all participants who received at least 1 session of the intervention and whose study partner provided outcome data at the 1-week endpoint.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Active rTMS (Bilateral DLPFC)Everyday Functional Outcomes, as Measured by the Everyday Cognition Questionnaire (Informant /Study Partner Version) Completed 1 Week After Intervention73.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 30.9
Active rTMS (Bilateral LPC)Everyday Functional Outcomes, as Measured by the Everyday Cognition Questionnaire (Informant /Study Partner Version) Completed 1 Week After Intervention61.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 17.4
Placebo rTMS (Inactive)Everyday Functional Outcomes, as Measured by the Everyday Cognition Questionnaire (Informant /Study Partner Version) Completed 1 Week After Intervention61.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 29.2
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.99695% CI: [-22, 22.1]Regression, Linear
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.8795% CI: [-20.6, 24.3]Regression, Linear
Secondary

Global Cognitive Function, as Measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a brief measure of global cognitive function. The total score has a range of 0 to 30; higher values represent a better outcome.

Time frame: 1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention

Population: The population analyzed included all participants who received at least 1 session of the intervention and who provided outcome data at the 1-week endpoint.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Active rTMS (Bilateral DLPFC)Global Cognitive Function, as Measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline23.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.5
Active rTMS (Bilateral LPC)Global Cognitive Function, as Measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline23.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.8
Placebo rTMS (Inactive)Global Cognitive Function, as Measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline23.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.2
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.8495% CI: [-2.3, 1.9]Regression, Linear
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.895% CI: [-1.9, 2.4]Regression, Linear
Secondary

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), as Measured by the Functional Assessment Questionnaire, Completed 1 Week After Intervention

Functional Assessment Questionnaire, completed by the study partner at end of treatment (1 week after intervention, adjusted for baseline). Each 10 item is rated on a scale from 0 to 3 (0 = Normal; 1 = Has difficulty, but does by self; 2 = Requires assistance; 3 = Dependent. Total score range: 0-30 (sum of 10 items). Interpretation: A total score of 9 (dependent in 3 or more activities) is the recommended cut-point for an indication of impaired function. Higher values represent a worse outcome.

Time frame: 1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.

Population: The population analyzed included the study partners of all participants who received at least 1 session of the intervention and whose study partners provided outcome data at the 1-week endpoint.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Active rTMS (Bilateral DLPFC)Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), as Measured by the Functional Assessment Questionnaire, Completed 1 Week After Intervention3.29 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.41
Active rTMS (Bilateral LPC)Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), as Measured by the Functional Assessment Questionnaire, Completed 1 Week After Intervention1.00 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.32
Placebo rTMS (Inactive)Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), as Measured by the Functional Assessment Questionnaire, Completed 1 Week After Intervention1.33 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.27
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.9795% CI: [-2.14, 2.22]Regression, Linear
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.9195% CI: [-2.15, 2.41]Regression, Linear
Secondary

Language Function, as Measured by 42-item Boston Naming Test (BNT), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance

The Boston Naming Test (BNT) assesses the ability to verbally name pictured objects. The subject is shown a series of line drawings and asked to name the object. The test items become progressively more difficult. (The 42 items are presented in order of decreasing frequency of the target word). The total number of correct responses can range from 0 to 42. Higher values represent a better outcome.

Time frame: 1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.

Population: The population analyzed included all participants who received at least 1 session of the intervention and who provided outcome data at the 1-week endpoint.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Active rTMS (Bilateral DLPFC)Language Function, as Measured by 42-item Boston Naming Test (BNT), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance36.3 correct responsesStandard Deviation 3.9
Active rTMS (Bilateral LPC)Language Function, as Measured by 42-item Boston Naming Test (BNT), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance38.4 correct responsesStandard Deviation 3.8
Placebo rTMS (Inactive)Language Function, as Measured by 42-item Boston Naming Test (BNT), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance35.9 correct responsesStandard Deviation 4.8
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.2895% CI: [-1, 3.4]Regression, Linear
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.2195% CI: [-0.8, 3.6]Regression, Linear
Secondary

Language Function, as Measured by Category Fluency (CF), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance

Category Fluency is a measure of verbal fluency in which the participant is asked to generate different exemplars from a semantic category specified by the examiner. For example, if the examiner says, 'articles of clothing,' correct responses include exemplars such as, 'shirt,' 'tie,' or 'hat.' The participant is given one minute to say all the responses they can think of. The values reported reflect the total number of correct, unique responses produced. Higher values represent a better outcome.

Time frame: 1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.

Population: The population analyzed included all participants who received at least 1 session of the intervention and who provided outcome data at the 1-week endpoint.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Active rTMS (Bilateral DLPFC)Language Function, as Measured by Category Fluency (CF), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance16.7 correct, unique responsesStandard Deviation 3.8
Active rTMS (Bilateral LPC)Language Function, as Measured by Category Fluency (CF), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance19.8 correct, unique responsesStandard Deviation 4.8
Placebo rTMS (Inactive)Language Function, as Measured by Category Fluency (CF), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance19.4 correct, unique responsesStandard Deviation 6
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.07595% CI: [-5.7, 0.3]Regression, Linear
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.19595% CI: [-5.4, 1.1]Regression, Linear
Secondary

Pre-post Change in Peripheral Levels of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)

Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) plasma levels were measured from blood samples that were collected during the first session and the last session of TMS intervention, after a minimum of 4 hours of fasting. Higher change scores represent a better outcome.

Time frame: First Intervention session to Last Intervention session. The average time frame from the first to the 20th and last session is 18 days.

Population: All participants who had BDNF plasma results for both pre- and post-intervention, i.e. during the first session and the last session of TMS.~Additional comments: (1) All of these participants were treatment adherent per study protocol, i.e., they completed at least 18 of the 20 rTMS sessions. (2) All of these participants provided behavioral outcome data at the primary endpoint, i.e. 1 week after completion of the TMS intervention.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Active rTMS (Bilateral DLPFC)Pre-post Change in Peripheral Levels of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)394.83 pg/mLStandard Deviation 1773.65
Active rTMS (Bilateral LPC)Pre-post Change in Peripheral Levels of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)1188.85 pg/mLStandard Deviation 3513.12
Placebo rTMS (Inactive)Pre-post Change in Peripheral Levels of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)687.17 pg/mLStandard Deviation 2145.18
p-value: 0.768ANOVA
Secondary

Speed of Processing and Executive Function, as Measured by Trail Making Part B, Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance

In the Trail Making Part B test, the response form has a series of 25 circles; each circle contains a number or a letter. The participant is asked to connect the circles in order by alternating between the numbers and letters. The maximum time allowed is 300 seconds. Trails B is thought to require executive skills as well as processing speed. The Trail Making B seconds-to-complete scores were log transformed because the distribution of scores was positively skewed. We also reverse scored the log scores so that higher values would indicate a better outcome. To reverse the log scores, we used the formula: reverse score = max(x) + 1 - x, where max(x) is the natural log of 300 or 5.70378. For example, if a participant's time-to-complete score was 74 seconds, the natural log transformed score was 4.304. Reverse scoring yields a value of 2.4 (2.4 = 5.70378 + 1 - 4.304). The reverse-scaled, log transformed seconds-to-complete scores were used in all statistical analyses.

Time frame: 1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.

Population: The population analyzed included all participants who received at least 1 session of the intervention and who provided outcome data at the 1-week endpoint.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Active rTMS (Bilateral DLPFC)Speed of Processing and Executive Function, as Measured by Trail Making Part B, Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance2.11 reverse scaled, log transformed scoresStandard Deviation 0.64
Active rTMS (Bilateral LPC)Speed of Processing and Executive Function, as Measured by Trail Making Part B, Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance2.42 reverse scaled, log transformed scoresStandard Deviation 0.32
Placebo rTMS (Inactive)Speed of Processing and Executive Function, as Measured by Trail Making Part B, Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance2.42 reverse scaled, log transformed scoresStandard Deviation 0.33
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.5995% CI: [-0.29, 0.17]Regression, Linear
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.6495% CI: [-0.17, 0.28]Regression, Linear
Secondary

Total Number of Words Correctly Recalled During the Long Delay Free Recall Component of the California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance

The California Verbal Learning Test, Second edition (CVLT-II) is a memory task that yields several indices of the ability to learn a list of semantically related words and remember the list after a delay interval. The target list (List A) of the CVLT-II contains 16 words. After 5 learning trials and a subsequent 20-minute delay filled with unrelated tests, the participant was asked to recall the 16-word target list of the CVLT-II again. The total number of words correctly recalled was computed (range = 0 to 16). Higher values represent a better outcome.

Time frame: 1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention

Population: The population analyzed included all participants who received at least 1 session of the intervention and who provided outcome data at the 1-week endpoint.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Active rTMS (Bilateral DLPFC)Total Number of Words Correctly Recalled During the Long Delay Free Recall Component of the California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance6.2 total number of words correctly recalledStandard Deviation 4.2
Active rTMS (Bilateral LPC)Total Number of Words Correctly Recalled During the Long Delay Free Recall Component of the California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance10.3 total number of words correctly recalledStandard Deviation 3.6
Placebo rTMS (Inactive)Total Number of Words Correctly Recalled During the Long Delay Free Recall Component of the California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II), Assessed 1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance6.2 total number of words correctly recalledStandard Deviation 3.5
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.3395% CI: [-1, 3]Regression, Linear
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.003895% CI: [1.1, 5.3]Regression, Linear
Secondary

Total Number of Words Correctly Recalled, List Learning, California Verbal Learning Test-II, Assessed 3 Months After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance

The California Verbal Learning Test, Second edition (CVLT-II) is a memory task that yields several indices of the ability to learn a list of semantically related words and remember the list after a delay interval. The target list (List A) of the CVLT-II contains 16 words. There are 5 orally presented learning trials; each is followed by immediate recall of the words in any order. The total number of words correctly recalled on the 5 list-learning trials was computed (range = 0 to 80). Higher values represent a better outcome.

Time frame: 3 months after completing the 20-session intervention (acceptable window for assessment: 76-104 days after the final intervention session)

Population: The population analyzed included all participants who received at least 1 session of the intervention and who provided outcome data at the 3-month follow-up endpoint.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Active rTMS (Bilateral DLPFC)Total Number of Words Correctly Recalled, List Learning, California Verbal Learning Test-II, Assessed 3 Months After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance38.4 total number of words correctly recalledStandard Deviation 10.3
Active rTMS (Bilateral LPC)Total Number of Words Correctly Recalled, List Learning, California Verbal Learning Test-II, Assessed 3 Months After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance53.0 total number of words correctly recalledStandard Deviation 14.3
Placebo rTMS (Inactive)Total Number of Words Correctly Recalled, List Learning, California Verbal Learning Test-II, Assessed 3 Months After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance41.3 total number of words correctly recalledStandard Deviation 6.9
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.4595% CI: [-11.4, 5.2]Regression, Linear
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.2195% CI: [-3.3, 14.8]Regression, Linear
Secondary

Visuoconstructional Function, as Measured by the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) Copy Score, assessed1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance.

Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) Copy score at end of treatment (1 week after intervention, adjusted for baseline); range: 0-36; higher values represent a better outcome

Time frame: 1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.

Population: The population analyzed included all participants who received at least 1 session of the intervention and who provided outcome data at the 1-week endpoint.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Active rTMS (Bilateral DLPFC)Visuoconstructional Function, as Measured by the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) Copy Score, assessed1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance.33.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.1
Active rTMS (Bilateral LPC)Visuoconstructional Function, as Measured by the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) Copy Score, assessed1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance.32.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.8
Placebo rTMS (Inactive)Visuoconstructional Function, as Measured by the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) Copy Score, assessed1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance.34.9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.8
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.6695% CI: [-3.2, 2.1]Regression, Linear
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.1195% CI: [-4.9, 0.5]Regression, Linear
Secondary

Visuospatial Memory, as Measured by the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R), assessed1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance

Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R) Trials 1-3 total recall raw score at end of treatment (1 week after intervention, adjusted for baseline); range: 0-36; higher values represent a better outcome

Time frame: 1 week after completing the 20-session intervention, which was typically 4 weeks after starting the intervention.

Population: The population analyzed included all participants who received at least 1 session of the intervention and who provided outcome data at the 1-week endpoint.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Active rTMS (Bilateral DLPFC)Visuospatial Memory, as Measured by the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R), assessed1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance17.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 8.5
Active rTMS (Bilateral LPC)Visuospatial Memory, as Measured by the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R), assessed1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance18.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.2
Placebo rTMS (Inactive)Visuospatial Memory, as Measured by the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R), assessed1 Week After Intervention and Adjusted for Baseline Performance21.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.5
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.4895% CI: [-5.5, 2.6]Regression, Linear
Comparison: a priori threshold for statistical significance = .05p-value: 0.1895% CI: [-6.8, 1.3]Regression, Linear

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 1, 2026