When Drugs Fail: Exploring Noninvasive Stimulation Options for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment

Ana Parabucki, Ph.D., Research Team Lead & IP Manager

July 15, 2024

The intersection of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), artificial intelligence (AI), and healthcare has ushered in a new era of hope for many medical conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). As the global population ages, the prevalence of AD is expected to rise, making the quest for effective treatments and interventions even more critical. While noninvasive brain stimulation approaches offer potential avenues for treatment, AI brings a unique set of tools that can revolutionize the way we understand, diagnose, manage, and hopefully treat AD.

Alzheimer's Disease (not just) in numbers

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a relentless neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions worldwide. Characterized by progressive memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes, AD not only impacts the individual but also places a significant burden on entire families as well as the healthcare system. In the USA alone, about 1 in 9 people age 65 and older have Alzheimer's, and that number will increase as the population ages. If we are to trust statistics, in the not-too-distant future, every family will have at least one family member affected by this devastating disease. While pharmacological interventions have been the primary approach to treatment, many drugs have shown limited efficacy in halting, reversing, or even slowing down the disease's progression. So, what do we do when drugs fail? The answer might lie in the domain of noninvasive brain stimulation.

The Tech

Recent years have seen a surge in interest in noninvasive brain stimulation techniques, such as those using magnetic (e.g. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)) or those using electric (e.g. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)) fields. Broadly speaking, the mechanism of action of these approaches relies on modulating cortical excitability and thus neural activity, aiming to restore the balance of neural networks disrupted by different brain pathologies.

By modulating the brain's electrical activity, these techniques can potentially enhance cognitive functions and even promote neural repair. As technology advances, researchers are continuously refining these methods, hoping to achieve more consistent and impactful results for patients.

The Hope

Have these techniques been tested for AD? Absolutely. Researchers dove deep into the world of non-invasive brain stimulation to see if it could boost cognition in Alzheimer's patients. Dozens of clinical studies performed so far demonstrate that techniques like repetitive TMS (rTMS) and tDCS show promise, especially when combined with cognitive training. Clinical trials have shown promising results in enhancing cognitive function in early-stage AD patients. Companies like Soterix Medical have been developing precise tDCS therapies designed to target neural circuits implicated in Alzheimer's disease, showing promise for cognitive enhancement. Magstim, a pioneer in transcranial magnetic stimulation, has been actively exploring TMS as a therapeutic tool for Alzheimer's, focusing on its potential to impact neural activity and slow disease progression. In recent years, successful NIBS approaches have expanded to passive sensory stimulation: Cognito Therapeutics employs a novel approach using specific frequencies of light and sound to modulate brain activity, with clinical trials indicating potential in reversing cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's patients.

BRAIN.Q (BrainQ Technologies) has been exploring its technology's efficacy in slowing AD's progression. After successful trials in the subacute stroke phase, there's optimism about its potential for AD. NIBS techniques such as BRAIN.Q’s offer several benefits, like targeted treatment, fewer side effects, and possibly halting or even reversing cognitive decline. In addition, unlike many other NIBS techniques that must be administered under supervision, usually in a clinic, BRAIN.Q aims to take it a step further – it will be able to deliver the treatment in the comfort of your own home (or anywhere else for that matter). Still, challenges remain. Determining optimal stimulation parameters, understanding long-term effects, and ensuring consistent results across diverse patient populations are areas that need further exploration.

The Promise

Can we speed up this process? Indeed, we can—with AI. Artificial intelligence enters the scene as a powerful ally on many levels. AI can take in a lot of information, like genetic data and brain scans, and use it to make better treatment plans for each person. For the development of Alzheimer's disease treatment, AI is a key player in speeding up the use of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), as well as assisting in better and more personalized treatments. By bringing together information from multiple and variable data streams, AI can be used to create detailed treatment plans for each patient. This is made even better with additional tools, such as wearable devices and online health platforms, that track patients in real time.

Companies like BRAIN.Q leverage AI to enhance noninvasive brain stimulation, hastening the optimization of treatment parameters.

The fusion of AI and noninvasive brain stimulation offers a beacon of hope in the battle against Alzheimer's. As technology and medical science continue to intertwine, we're getting closer to making NIBS a real solution for Alzheimer's, giving hope for better and more personal treatments, and providing a more promising future for those affected by this devastating disease.

Conclusion

The fusion of AI and Alzheimer's research offers a promising horizon in the battle against this debilitating disease. From early detection to personalized treatments and enhanced research capabilities, AI stands poised to make significant contributions to the already growing field of noninvasive brain stimulation, as well as to our understanding and management of AD. As technology continues to advance, the synergy of AI and medical science might hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of Alzheimer's and paving the way for a future free from the shadow of cognitive decline.

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