Recent Research Progress on the Use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Vascular Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Vascular Cognitive Impairment (VCI) is a condition where problems with brain blood vessels lead to a decline in cognitive abilities, commonly affecting the elderly and placing a significant burden on both patients and their families. Compared to medication and surgery, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment option with fewer risks and side effects, making it particularly suitable for elderly patients. TMS not only assesses the excitability and plasticity of the cerebral cortex, but its effectiveness in treating Vascular Cognitive Impairment (VCI) and its subtypes has also been validated in numerous clinical trials worldwide. However, there is still a lack of review on the physiological mechanisms of TMS treatment for VCI and its specific clinical application parameters. Therefore, this article initially provided a brief overview of the risk factors, pathological mechanisms, and classification of VCI. Next, the article explained the potential physiological mechanisms of TMS in treating VCI, particularly its role in promoting synaptic plasticity, regulating neurotransmitter balance, and improving the function of the default mode network. Additionally, The article also summarizes the application of rTMS in treating VCI and its subtypes, VCI-related sleep disorders, and the use of TMS in follow-up studies of VCI patients, providing empirical evidence for the clinical application of TMS and rTMS technologies.