Boosting cognitive performance in Alzheimer's disease through nerve stimulation
The wandering nerve: gateway to boost Alzheimer's disease related cognitive performance
This study is exploring how a gentle, non-invasive treatment called transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) might help improve thinking skills in older adults who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease, with the hope of slowing down any decline in memory and cognitive function before serious symptoms show up.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11105875 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) as a non-invasive method to enhance cognitive function in individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease. By targeting the brain systems affected early in Alzheimer's pathology, the study aims to determine how tVNS can delay cognitive decline before significant symptoms appear. Participants will undergo single and repeated tVNS sessions while their cognitive performance and brain activity are monitored, providing insights into the effectiveness of this intervention. The research focuses on older adults with varying degrees of Alzheimer's-related changes, aiming to establish a connection between tVNS outcomes and individual characteristics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are pre-symptomatic for Alzheimer's disease and show early signs of Alzheimer's pathology.
Not a fit: Patients who are already experiencing significant cognitive decline or have advanced Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new preventive treatment that delays the onset of cognitive decline in individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have shown promise for tVNS in enhancing memory and cognitive function, indicating potential success for this approach in Alzheimer's prevention.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jacobs, Heidi Irma — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Jacobs, Heidi Irma
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.