Delayed improvements in visual memory task performance among chronic schizophrenia patients after high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
Xiangdong Du, Zhe Li, Nian Yuan, Ming Yin, Xueli Zhao, Xiaoli Lv, Siyun Zou, Jun Zhang, Guangya Zhang, Chuanwei Li, Hui Pan, Li Yang, Siqi Wu, Yan Yue, Yuxuan Wu, Xiangyang Zhang
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairments are core characteristics of schizophrenia, but are largely resistant to current treatments. Several recent studies have shown that high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the left dor-solateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) can reduce negative symptoms and improve certain cognitive deficits in schizophrenia patients. However, results are inconsistent across studies. AIM: To examine if high-frequency rTMS of the DLPFC can improve visual memory deficits in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: = 22) on weekdays for four consecutive weeks. Patients performed the pattern recognition memory (PRM) task from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery at baseline, at the end of rTMS treatment (week 4), and 4 wk after rTMS treatment (week 8). Clinical symptoms were also measured at these same time points using the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). RESULTS: > 0.05). CONCLUSION: High-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation improves visual memory and reduces negative symptoms in schizophrenia, but these effects are delayed, potentially due to the requirement for extensive neuroplastic changes within DLPFC networks.