🔥 Hot Off the Press: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)

A new randomized clinical trial (JAMA Network Open, Aug 2025) tested long-term iTBS (intermittent theta-burst stimulation) plus language therapy in Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) — a progressive, incurable neurodegenerative condition with no established treatments.

📅 Treatment Schedule
• Weeks 1–2: Daily TMS (10 sessions)
• Weeks 3–24: Weekly TMS (22 sessions)
• Total: 32 sessions over 6 months
• Each session followed by language therapy

🧠 Results
• Slowed decline on FDG-PET brain metabolism
• Improved language (naming, comprehension)
• Better independence & neuropsychiatric symptoms
• High adherence (92%) & safe

💡 Takeaway: Long-term TMS + speech therapy may slow progression and improve function in PPA.

🌍 From Florida to global neurology clinics, this is meaningful.

In my own clinic, I see patients with PPA struggling daily with speech decline, frustration, and loss of independence. Having evidence that TMS can change the trajectory even modestly, offers hope.

👉 Colleagues — do you see TMS becoming a standard adjunct for PPA in the next 5 years?