Closed-loop Deep Brain Stimulation for Disrupting Abnormal Brain Signals in Alzheimer’s Disease
Official title: Closed-Loop Deep Brain Stimulation for Controlling Abnormal Neural Synchronization and Oscillations
Funded at San Jose State University · NIH-11393673 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant funds research to test a smart, responsive brain stimulation approach to help people with Alzheimer’s-related brain changes feel fewer symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Jose State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Jose, United States) |
| Project start | July 2, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $146,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R16NS140310-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393673 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia who could benefit from advanced neuromodulation approaches in future clinical trials.
✕Less likely to help
This research is in early, computational stages and may not directly benefit patients in the near term.
What this research studies
The project aims to develop a computer-controlled deep brain stimulation system that automatically adjusts stimulation based on brain signals to reduce abnormal neural synchronization seen in Alzheimer’s and other conditions. Researchers will use in-silico (computer-based) models to design and test these adaptive algorithms before any clinical testing. The goal is a safe, long-lasting desynchronization of problematic brain activity that could translate into better symptoms management for patients in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could pave the way for smarter DBS therapies that require less manual tuning and offer more consistent relief for people with Alzheimer’s-related brain changes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in DBS for neurological disorders has shown that adaptive, closed-loop approaches can improve outcomes in some conditions, but translation to Alzheimer’s-specific targets remains exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
San Jose State University
San Jose, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kumar, Gautam — San Jose State University
- Study coordinator: Kumar, Gautam
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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.