ObjectiveRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is currently being tested for suppressing the symptoms of subjective chronic primary tinnitus, although its effect is controversial. The aim of this randomized double‐blinded controlled trial was to determine the effect of rTMS with unique settings for tinnitus treatment.MethodsFifty‐three adult patients suffering from chronic subjective unilateral or bilateral nonpulsatile primary tinnitus for at least 6 months were randomly assigned to rTMS (group 1, n = 20), sham stimulation (group 2, n = 12), or medicament therapy only (group 3, n = 21). The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (frequency 25 Hz, 300 pulses, and 80% resting motor threshold [RMT]) on the left side and primary auditory cortex (1 Hz, 1000 pulses, 110% RMT) were stimulated on both sides in patients in group 1 for 5 consecutive days. The Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire (TRQ), Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire (THQ), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), pure‐tone audiometry with Fowler scoring of hearing loss, and tinnitus analysis were used to evaluate tinnitus in all patients. Data were recorded the day the patient was included in the study and at 1‐ and 6‐month follow‐up.ResultsThe study groups were homogenous. No significant effect of rTMS was found at 1 or 6 months based on the BDI, THQ, and TRQ scores or tinnitus masking. There was a significant but clinically irrelevant effect on the THI score after 1 and 6 months.InterpretationNo significant effect of bilateral low‐frequency rTMS of the primary auditory cortex and high‐frequency stimulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was demonstrated.

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to perform a psychometric validation of the Czech version of the Quality of Life – Alzheimer’s Disease scale (QoL-AD) for patients with early-stage dementia. Methods: The sample included 212 patient-proxy pairs. For convergent validity, the Czech version of the Bristol Activities of Daily Living Scale (BADLS-CZ), the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were used. Results: The reliability of the QoL-AD for patients and caregivers was good (Cronbach’s α = 0.85, ICC = 0.25–0.54). A positive correlation existed between the QoL-AD and the SPPB, and negative correlations existed between the QoL-AD and the BADLS-CZ as well as between the QoL-AD and the GDS. Factor analysis resulted in a three-factor solution (physical and mental health, family life, and social security). Conclusion: The Czech version of the QoL-AD has good psychometric properties in compliance with international recommendations.

Introduction:Cognitive deficit after stroke is common, and beginning cognitive rehabilitation as soon as possible is important to minimize the consequences of the impairment. The aim of this study was to use Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination to compare cognitive function in nondemented and nondepressed stroke patients, 3-6 months after the stroke, with sex-and age-matched controls. Materials and Methods:A total of 156 participants were included (72 controls: 19 men, mean age 64.5 ± 12.4 years; 84 patients after stroke: 54 men, mean age 62.2 ± 9.0 years).Results: Statistically significant differences were identified between controls and stroke patients in total Addenbrooke's score (stroke patients, 86.2 points vs controls, 91.2 points; p<0.01), Verbal Production domain (stroke patients, 9.8 points vs controls, 11.5 points; p<0.01), and Memory domain (stroke patients, 19.5 points vs controls, 21.7 points; p<0.01). The difference was also statistically significant between subgroups of stroke patients and controls: patients with a right-sided brain lesion differed from controls in total scores (88.3 vs 91.3 points, respectively; p<0.05) and Verbal Production domain scores (9.9 vs 11.5 points, p<0.01), as did patients with left-sided brain lesions in total score (83.9 vs 91.3 points; p<0.01) and Memory (18.6 vs 21.7 points; p<0.01) and Verbal Production (9.6 vs 11.5 points; p<0.01) domains. Conclusion:This study shows the usability of Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination 3-6 months after a stroke to detect mild cognitive decline, providing a basis for initiating cognitive rehabilitation as soon as possible.

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