Neuromodulation in Alzheimer’s Disease in the Therapy Process

Abstract

Increasing prevalence in the near future of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been statistically predicted. As current pharmacological treatments turn out to be limited for the long-term clinical effects accompanying various side effects and complications, new schemes are in urgent need of a relatively safer and more effective treatment. In recent years, neuromodulation technologies such as optogenetics, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and focused ultrasound (FUS), which are proven with potential remedial effectiveness in several mental diseases, emerge to be a prospective therapeutic strategy for AD. By applying optical, magnetic, as well as electronic technology, modulations on specific brain regions can be achieved. And by applying ultrasonic technology, the process of medical molecules passing through the brain-blood barrier (BBB) can be facilitated. This article summarizes the current knowledge of some main neuromodulation technologies and provides insight into their possibilities for clinical application. By further illuminating the clinical effects, advantages, and limitations of these technologies, the article may help to guide clinical practice and enlighten new ideas for therapeutic strategy in AD.