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Deep brain stimulation in Alzheimer's disease
Denys Fontaine1, Serena Santucci1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Université Côte d'Azur, CHU de Nice, Nice, France.
International Review of Neurobiology
|August 27, 2021
Summary
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) shows promise for stabilizing memory decline in early Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Chronic fornix DBS is safe and may slow cognitive decline in some patients, though further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Current Alzheimer's Disease (AD) treatments offer limited benefits.
- Electrical stimulation of memory circuits has shown potential in enhancing memory in non-impaired individuals.
- Previous studies explored deep brain stimulation (DBS) for memory enhancement in various contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the safety and efficacy of chronic fornix deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
- To explore the potential of DBS in modulating memory circuits for cognitive decline.
- To examine the mechanisms of action for DBS in AD.
Main Methods:
- Phase I and II clinical studies involving approximately 50 patients with mild to moderate AD.
- Chronic deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the fornix.
- Exploration of DBS targeting the cholinergic nucleus of Meynert in AD and Parkinson-related dementia.
Main Results:
- Chronic fornix DBS was found to be safe in patients with mild to moderate AD.
- Some patients, particularly older individuals with less severe disease, showed stabilized or slowed memory decline.
- DBS of the cholinergic nucleus of Meynert was also explored in early-phase studies.
Conclusions:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an investigational approach for Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
- Forix DBS demonstrated safety and potential to stabilize or slow memory decline in specific AD patient groups.
- Further research is required to address optimal targets, stimulation parameters, patient selection, and ethical considerations before clinical implementation.
