Magnetic stimulation ‘can improve memory for schizophrenia patients’

A new study at the University of Toronto has revealed that magnetic stimulation could help to improve the working memory of schizophrenia sufferers.

Dr Mera Barr and her team of scientists carried out a randomised controlled trial assessing the benefits of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in improving cognitive function among people affected by this mental condition.

It was found that rTMS resulted in a significant improvement in working memory performance relative to baseline, allowing patients to experience better mental functions without the need for pharmacotherapy.

This technique could be highly useful as it is non-invasive and does not require sedation or anaesthesia.

The authors said: "Working memory is an important predictor of functional outcome. Developing novel treatments aimed at improving these deficits may ultimately translate into meaningful changes in the lives of patients suffering from this debilitating disorder."

Schizophrenia is one of the most common serious mental health conditions, with around one in 100 people in the UK experiencing it during their lifetimes, according to NHS data.