Home-Based Gamma Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation in Patients With Alzheimer Disease: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by disrupted gamma brain oscillations.
• Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a noninvasive technique to modulate brain activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of home-based gamma tACS in patients with prodromal and mild AD.
• To assess the impact of tACS on cognitive functions, daily living activities, and neurophysiological markers.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial with an open-label extension.
• Participants received 8 weeks of home-based gamma tACS or sham stimulation, followed by an open-label tACS phase and follow-up.
• Primary endpoints included safety and feasibility; secondary endpoints assessed clinical and biological efficacy via cognitive tests, EEG, and MRI.

Main Results:

• Home-based gamma tACS was safe and well-tolerated in 50 AD patients.
• Significant improvements were observed in global cognition, daily living activities, and memory recall compared to sham.
• Neurophysiological measures indicated increased cholinergic transmission and gamma power, supporting biological engagement.

Conclusions:

• Home-based gamma tACS is a feasible and effective intervention for improving clinical outcomes in mild to moderate AD.
• The findings support further research into tACS as a therapeutic option for Alzheimer's disease.
• Eight weeks of treatment appears optimal, with no additional benefit from longer durations.