Zapping Alzheimer’s

A new tool for treating brain disorders is providing clinicians with yet another way to fight Alzheimer’s and other devastating conditions. Known as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) the system activates underused portions of the brain using electromagnetic wave pulses. Unlike the controversial electroshock or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which has been used in the past to counteract severe depression, TMS carries nearly no risk of seizure because it is aimed at specific regions of the brain and operates at greatly reduced intensities. Treatments generally last about 20 minutes and may continue for up to six weeks, depending on the disease.

Two independent companies are currently marketing devices that operate on this principle – one that is targeted for Alzheimer’s and another that is designed to combat a range of disorders including depression, Parkinson’s, autism, and tobacco addiction. Further research is aimed at using TMS to treat other addictions as well as obesity.