Memory: TMS Boosts Long-term Memory

In this study the authors try targeting hippocampal-cortical brain networks with high-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation in older adults and then try to find if this influences behavioral and neural measures characteristic of age-related memory impairment.

Relative to sham, stimulation improved recollection to a greater extent than recognition. Stimulation increased recollection fMRI signals throughout the hippocampal-cortical network, including at the targeted location of the hippocampus.

In conclusion, age-related recollection impairments were causally related to hippocampal-cortical network function in older adults. Stimulation selectively modified neural and behavioral hallmarks of age-related memory impairment, indicating effective engagement of memory intervention targets in older adults.