Transcranial pulse stimulation in Alzheimer's disease

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) is a noninvasive ultrasonic brain stimulation technique.
• TPS has demonstrated potential in enhancing cortical excitability and neuroplasticity.
• Previous studies suggest TPS efficacy in Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effects and safety of TPS in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
• To evaluate TPS's impact on cognitive performance and depressive symptoms in AD.
• To explore the neurobiological mechanisms underlying TPS effects in AD.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of studies published up to April 1, 2023.
• Searches conducted across major databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, and WanFang.
• Risk of bias assessed using the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies.

Main Results:

• Five studies involving 99 AD patients were included.
• TPS significantly improved cognitive scores (CERAD, ADAS-cog, MoCA, MMSE) and reduced depressive symptoms (ADAS-a, GDS, BDI).
• fMRI revealed TPS enhanced functional connectivity in key brain regions and modulated network activity, correlating with cognitive and mood improvements. Adverse events were mild and transient.

Conclusions:

• TPS is a promising adjunct therapy for improving cognitive function and depressive symptoms in Alzheimer's disease.
• The observed benefits are potentially mediated by enhanced brain connectivity and activity.
• Further research with sham controls and larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm TPS efficacy and safety in AD.