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Peripheral electrical nerve stimulation and rest-activity rhythm in Alzheimer's disease

Peripheral electrical nerve stimulation and rest-activity rhythm in Alzheimer's disease

Authors :
Philip Scheltens
Joseph A. Sergeant
Koene R. A. Van Dijk
Erik J. A. Scherder
Eus J.W. Van Someren
Marijn W. Luijpen
Psychiatrie en Neuropsychologie
Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology
RS: FPN NPPP I
Clinical Neuropsychology
Medical psychology
Neurology
Source :
Van Dijk, K R A, Luijpen, M W, Van Someren, E J W, Sergeant, J A, Scheltens, P & Scherder, E J A 2006, ' Peripheral electrical nerve stimulation and rest-activity rhythm in Alzheimer's disease ', Journal of Sleep Research, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 415-423 . https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2869.2006.00548.x, van Dijk, K R A, Luijpen, M W, van Someren, E J W, Sergeant, J A, Scheltens, P & Scherder, E J A 2006, ' Peripheral electrical nerve stimulation and rest-activity rhythm in Alzheimer's disease ', Journal of Sleep Research, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 415-423 . https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2869.2006.00548.x, Journal of Sleep Research, 15, 415-423. Wiley, Journal of Sleep Research, 15(4), 415-423. Wiley-Blackwell, Journal of Sleep Research, 15(4), 415-423. Wiley
Publication Year :
2006

Abstract

Rest-activity rhythm disruption is a prominent clinical feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The origin of the altered rest-activity rhythm is believed to be degeneration of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). In accordance with the 'use it or lose it' hypothesis of Swaab [Neurobiol Aging 1991, 12: 317-324] stimulation of the SCN may prevent age-related loss of neurons and might reactivate nerve cells that are inactive but not lost. Previous studies with relatively small sample sizes have demonstrated positive effects of peripheral electrical nerve stimulation on the rest-activity rhythm in AD patients. The present randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was meant to replicate prior findings of electrical stimulation in AD in a substantially larger group of AD patients. The experimental group (n = 31) received peripheral electrical nerve stimulation and the placebo group (n = 31) received sham stimulation. Effects of the intervention on the rest-activity rhythm were assessed by using wrist-worn actigraphs. Near-significant findings on the rest-activity rhythm partially support the hypothesis that neuronal stimulation enhances the rest-activity rhythm in AD patients. Interestingly, post-hoc analyses revealed significant treatment effects in a group of patients who were not using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors concomitantly. We conclude that more research is needed before firm general conclusions about the effectiveness of electrical stimulation as a symptomatic treatment in AD can be drawn. In addition, the present post-hoc findings indicate that future studies on non-pharmacological interventions should take medication use into account. © 2006 European Sleep Research Society.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
09621105
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Van Dijk, K R A, Luijpen, M W, Van Someren, E J W, Sergeant, J A, Scheltens, P & Scherder, E J A 2006, ' Peripheral electrical nerve stimulation and rest-activity rhythm in Alzheimer's disease ', Journal of Sleep Research, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 415-423 . https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2869.2006.00548.x, van Dijk, K R A, Luijpen, M W, van Someren, E J W, Sergeant, J A, Scheltens, P & Scherder, E J A 2006, ' Peripheral electrical nerve stimulation and rest-activity rhythm in Alzheimer's disease ', Journal of Sleep Research, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 415-423 . https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2869.2006.00548.x, Journal of Sleep Research, 15, 415-423. Wiley, Journal of Sleep Research, 15(4), 415-423. Wiley-Blackwell, Journal of Sleep Research, 15(4), 415-423. Wiley
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....41ff4b89db017b9c4ba7e6e7bd64d0d6
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2869.2006.00548.x