Brain 'Pacemaker' for Alzheimer's

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is helping many people with Parkinson's disease overcome symptoms of tremor, but its use in people with Alzheimer's is still in an experimental stage, reports BBC News . Researchers at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center are using DBS to target the decision-making frontal lobe in the hope of extending the independence of people with Alzheimer's. DBS involves permanently implanting wires, with electrodes, into the brain, and these wires are connected to a pulse generator under the skin of the chest wall. The device transmits electric stimulation to the brain to improve function or reduce symptoms. "This treatment may seem bold and aggressive to some, but it is promising," says neurosurgery expert Andres Lozano in Canada. "Studies so far show it is safe." A study of people undergoing DBS treatment for Alzheimer's published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found only one of them appeared to benefit significantly. "The study did not compare against a dummy treatment and so while signs of benefit are worthy of follow-up, the full benefits and cost-effectiveness of this treatment need much more robust investigation in larger trials," says Alzheimer's Research UK's Dr. Carol Routledge.