Non-invasive Brain Stimulation in Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment—A State-of-the-Art Review on Methodological Characteristics and Stimulation Parameters
Adrienn Holczer, Viola Luca Németh, Teodóra Vékony, László Vécsei, Péter Klivènyi, Anita Must
Abstract
The presence and extent of methodical issues affecting TMS and tDCS research involving patients with AD and MCI were examined for the first time. The risk of bias frequently affected the domains of the randomization process and selection of the reported data while missing outcome was rare. Unclear reporting was present involving randomization, allocation concealment, and blinding. Methodological awareness can potentially reduce the high variability of the estimates regarding the effectiveness of TMS and tDCS. Studies with low risk of bias delineate a range within TMS parameters seem to be effective but question the efficacy of tDCS.
Topics & Concepts
Transcranial direct-current stimulationRandomized controlled trialBrain stimulationDementiaTranscranial magnetic stimulationCognitionPsychologyPhysical medicine and rehabilitationCognitive declineAffect (linguistics)Alzheimer's diseaseMedicineDiseaseStimulationNeuroscienceInternal medicineCommunicationTranscranial Magnetic Stimulation StudiesStroke Rehabilitation and RecoverySpatial Neglect and Hemispheric Dysfunction