Twice-daily brain zaps enhance ‘rewiring’ and functioning in Alzheimer’s

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NEW YORK, Dec 6: New research indicates that non-invasive application of a mild electrical current to the brain twice daily for six weeks can enhance cognitive functioning and plasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself, in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. This innovative treatment method holds promise for reducing or potentially reversing the effects of the condition. Unlike many existing drug-based treatments for Alzheimer’s, which may have limited effectiveness and can be complicated by coexisting health issues, this non-invasive brain stimulation approach offers clinical benefits.

Conducted by Ningbo University in China, a recent study is the first to explore the use of twice-daily transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to enhance cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients. TDCS involves applying a constant, low-intensity direct current through electrodes on the scalp, influencing the excitability of neurons in the brain’s cortex. Previous studies suggest that tDCS induces cortical plasticity, enabling the brain to form new neural networks.

In the study, 124 participants with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s were randomly assigned to receive either tDCS or a sham version of the treatment twice daily for six weeks. The tDCS was applied to the prefrontal cortex, a brain region associated with higher cognitive functions. Cognitive assessments conducted by blinded neuropsychologists at baseline and weeks two and six revealed a statistically significant improvement in cognitive functioning in the tDCS group at week six, particularly in areas such as word recall and recognition, compared to baseline. No such improvements were observed in the sham group.

The researchers noted that tDCS also led to increased plasticity response at six weeks, a crucial factor in cognitive improvement. However, these effects were not evident at the two-week mark. While the precise mechanism of tDCS on brain plasticity remains unclear, researchers speculate that the treatment may elevate calcium levels in the cortex and hippocampus while modulating serotonin release. They emphasize the need for further research to explore the relationship between plasticity and cognition.

The study acknowledged limitations, including a small sample size and the absence of diagnostic tests such as MRI or EEG to assess brain network changes or measure neurotransmitter or amyloid beta levels in blood samples. Despite these limitations, the results underscore tDCS as a promising intervention for enhancing cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease.

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