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Effects of short- and long-term neurostimulation (tDCS) on Alzheimer's disease patients: two randomized studies.

Authors :
Gangemi A
Colombo B
Fabio RA
Source :
Aging clinical and experimental research [Aging Clin Exp Res] 2021 Feb; Vol. 33 (2), pp. 383-390. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Apr 16.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Background: Non-invasive brain stimulation is an effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease.<br />Aims: The purpose of the two studies presented here is to compare the short- and long-term effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (t-DCS) on two samples of advanced AD patients.<br />Methods: In Study 1 26 patients were involved in a 10-day anodal vs. sham tDCS intervention stimulating the left frontotemporal cortex. A pre-post test assessment was run using two different neurocognitive tests and EEG data. The same protocol was used in Study 2, which involved 18 different patients who underwent the same intervention 10 days a month for 8 months.<br />Results: Results confirmed how the t-DCS intervention was effective both in the short- and the long-term to slow down the progression of AD on specific neurophysiological domains and, to a certain extent, on neurophysiological activity. Discussion tDCS appear to be effective and to affect differently neurocognitive and neurophysiological functions when comparing short and long-term outcomes. Conclusions Anodal-tDCS is an effective way to slow down the progression of Alzheimer's both in the short and long term. It can also affect the EEG patterns, but this requires a more protracted intervention.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1720-8319
Volume :
33
Issue :
2
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Aging clinical and experimental research
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
32301028
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-020-01546-8