Neuromodulation With Electromagnetic Field Stimulation via Gamma Oscillations Improved Mini-Mental State Examination Scores in Patients With Cognitive Impairment.

Cureus · 2026 · Unclear · Low evidence

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UnclearLow evidencePaper 4320

Neuromodulation via EMF stimulation at 70-100 Hz led to improvement in EMF waves and showed a non-statistically significant trend toward improved MMSE scores in patients with cognitive impairment.

Study snapshot

PublicationCureus · 2026

Study typerandomized_trial

Reported directionUnclear

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Abnormalities in gamma oscillations have been found in neurological disorders that involve dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. Neuromodulation via gamma stimulation has shown promising potential to enhance cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease. OBJECTIVE: In this pilot clinical trial, we describe recording and neuromodulation of brain electromagnetic field (EMF) at gamma oscillations, specifically 70 Hertz (Hz) to 100 Hz, and its effect on brain EMF waves, cognition, and memory as assessed with EMF recordings and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in patients with cognitive impairment. We hypothesize that EMF stimulation at 70-100 Hz will lead to a statistically significant improvement in MMSE compared with baseline. Additionally, we aim to refine EMF recording and stimulation protocols. Methods: MMSE was performed before and after EMF recordings. We used a previously developed portable helmet system equipped with Mu-metal (MuMETAL, Magnetic Shield Corporation, Bensenville, IL) and copper shielding, embedded sensors, and EMF generators to record baseline brain EMF of patients with cognitive impairment, identify the sensor of interest and frequency of interest, deliver EMF stimulation at the frequency of interest at 10 Volts over 10 minutes, and record post-stimulation EMF. RESULTS: Sixteen patients with cognitive impairment were included in this study. EMF recordings from six patients were used to refine analysis protocols, while ten new patients underwent stimulation. The mean pre-stimulation MMSE score was 13.8/30 points, and the mean post-stimulation MMSE score was 17.5/30 points (p=0.170). CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, neuromodulation via EMF stimulation led to improvement in EMF waves and showed a trend toward cognitive and memory improvement without statistical significance in patients with cognitive impairment.

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typerandomized_trial

Effect directionunclear

Populationpatients with cognitive impairment

Sample size16

Exposuregamma oscillations · 7e-05 MHz · 10 minutes

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 30% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Neuromodulation via EMF stimulation at 70-100 Hz led to improvement in EMF waves and showed a non-statistically significant trend toward improved MMSE scores in patients with cognitive impairment.

Outcomes measured

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores
brain electromagnetic field (EMF) waves

Limitations

small sample size
pilot study
no statistical significance in cognitive improvement

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "randomized_trial",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "gamma oscillations",
    "source": "neuromodulation device",
    "frequency_mhz": 7e-05,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "10 minutes"
  },
  "population": "patients with cognitive impairment",
  "sample_size": 16,
  "outcomes": [
    "Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores",
    "brain electromagnetic field (EMF) waves"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Neuromodulation via EMF stimulation at 70-100 Hz led to improvement in EMF waves and showed a non-statistically significant trend toward improved MMSE scores in patients with cognitive impairment.",
  "effect_direction": "unclear",
  "limitations": [
    "small sample size",
    "pilot study",
    "no statistical significance in cognitive improvement"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.3,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "neuromodulation",
    "gamma oscillations",
    "cognitive impairment",
    "Mini-Mental State Examination",
    "electromagnetic field stimulation"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.101122
PubMed: 41664763

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