Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS): a possible novel therapeutic approach to dementia with Lewy bodies

Med Hypotheses. 2010 May;74(5):877-9. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2009.11.020. Epub 2009 Dec 14.

Abstract

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is characterized clinically by widespread cognitive loss, visual hallucinations, depression, anxiety and extrapyramidal signs (EPS). DLB is sensitive to typical neuroleptics. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been studied as a potential treatment in many neurological disorders, which has been proved to have positive effect on a variety of cognitive functions, hallucinations of schizophrenia, major depression, anxiety, the Parkinson's disease. This report proposes that rTMS may represent an alternative strategy for the treatment of dementia with Lewy bodies.

MeSH terms

  • Dopamine / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lewy Body Disease / pathology
  • Lewy Body Disease / therapy*
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / methods*

Substances

  • Dopamine