Effects of high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on emotional disorders and P300 of patients with Parkinson's disease

Background Previous studies revealed that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can obviously improve the motor function of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Since the non-motor symptoms of late stage PD can induce worse impacts on patients, it is important to investigate the clinical effects of high frequency rTMS on non-motor symptoms including emotional and cognitive disorders of PD patients. Methods Sixty-five patients with PD received rTMS therapy. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and P300 before and after treatment were recorded to assess the effect of rTMS on patient's emotions, abilities of daily living and motor functions. Results After treatment, the total UPDRS (t = 10.872, P = 0.000), UPDRS Ⅰ( t = 4.538, P = 0.023), UPDRS Ⅱ( t = 8.846, P = 0.012) and UPDRS Ⅲ scores (t = 9.114, P = 0.000) were all significantly decreased. The incidence rate of depression and anxiety was reduced from 52.46% (32/61) to 29.51% (18/61), and cognitive disorder from 42.62% (26/61) to 32.79% (20/61). HAMA ( t = 3.692, P = 0.000) and HAMD (t = 4.241, P = 0.000) scores were significantly reduced, but hallucinogenesis wasincreased from 18.0 3% (11/61) to 29.51% (18/61 ) . The incubation period of P300 was significantly reduced ( t = 5.924, P = 0.000), but the amplitude was increased (t = 8.512, P = 0.000). Conclusion High frequency rTMS can reduce anxiety and depression, and improve cognition of PD patients.