Using Deep Brain Stimulation to Treat Alzheimer's
Doctors from Ohio State University Wexner
Medical Center are currently experimenting with an implanted
“pacemaking” device in Alzheimer’s patients in an attempt to help them
retain their independence. This device allows the patient to undergo
Deep Brain Stimulation therapy.
This therapy involves implanting electric
wires into the patient’s brain and then connecting them to a battery
pack implanted in the chest. This pack sends electric currents through
the wires to help stimulate the part of the brain that controls the
abilities to problem-solve, plan, and use judgment
Assault on Alzheimer’s
This therapy has already been implemented
in thousands of patients who have Parkinson’s disease in order to help
them overcome their tremors. However, the use of Deep Brain Stimulation
to treat Alzheimer’s is still in its experimental stage. While previous
studies have focused on stimulating the brain regions that govern
memory, this new study moves the focus area.
The Ohio state tests have shown positive results in all three of the
patients who took part in the pilot study. In fact, the progression of
the disease slowed significantly. By turning back on part of the brain,
the two patients could be able to retain their quality of life longer
than those who are not undergoing therapy. While it may not be able to
cure the disease itself, Deep Brain Stimulation seems to have the
potential to provide patients with some welcome, immediate relief.
However, the science behind the therapy’s effectiveness for Alzheimer’s
is still developing. Andres Lozano from the University of Toronto is
also undertaking studies to test how successful the therapy is for
people with Alzheimer’s. In an interview, Lozano stressed that the
treatment is not meant to cure the disease, and it does not cease
cognitive design altogether.
Researchers from all over the world are
constantly working to better understand Alzheimer’s to fuel future
breakthroughs in treatment. To meet this end, Microsoft co-founder Bill
Gates announced a $100 million initiative last year to help defeat this
debilitating disease.
A promising blood test that is being studied in Japan could increase the
time doctors have to treat the disease by up to thirty years. Not only
could early detection let doctors form better treatment plans, but it
could also help researchers learn a lot more about how the disease
progresses over this period of time, giving greater insight into its
development.
Other researchers are currently working on treatments that could
potentially delay or prevent the disease from developing. Scientists
from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Mo, are
targeting a specific gene variant that increases the risk of developing
the disease by a factor of 12.
Furthermore, human trials are also underway
for two preventative measures that could also prevent the disease from
ever developing. Researchers from the University Of Southern California
Keck School Of Medicine are currently testing an oral medication as well
as a vaccine that targets the proteins which build up in the brains of
disease sufferers.
However, all these procedures are still under investigation. Deep Brain
Stimulation therapies could be a welcome addition to treat the symptoms
of the disease while researchers work on eradicating it once and for
all. Allowing patients to retain greater levels of independence is a
great step forward and will buy more families more time as the
researchers continue their very important work.