Rhythmic brain stimulation targeting basal forebrain parvalbumin cells to counter Alzheimer's changes
Controlling oscillations to treat Alzheimers disease targeting the basal forebrain parvalbuminsystem
This project uses rhythmic stimulation of specific brain cells to try to reduce Alzheimer's-related brain plaques and support memory for people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142573 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use well-established Alzheimer's mouse models to compare restoring 40 Hz 'gamma' brain rhythms with sensory stimulation (GENUS) versus direct activation of basal forebrain parvalbumin (BF PV) neurons using optogenetic and chemogenetic tools. They record brain waves from the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex while measuring amyloid and tau pathology and memory-related behaviors. Experiments directly compare GENUS, optogenetic BF PV excitation, chemogenetic activation, and combinations to see which approach best reduces plaques/tau and restores healthy oscillatory activity. This is preclinical work performed at Massachusetts General Hospital as a step toward rhythm-based therapies for people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The approaches being developed would most likely target people with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment in future clinical trials.
Not a fit: People with advanced Alzheimer's, non-Alzheimer's dementias, or medical conditions that prevent brain stimulation may not benefit from these approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new rhythm-based therapies that reduce amyloid and tau buildup and improve memory by restoring healthy brain oscillations.
How similar studies have performed: Prior mouse studies using 40 Hz sensory stimulation (GENUS) reported promising reductions in amyloid and tau, but those findings lack broad independent replication and direct BF PV targeting is a novel tactic.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schiffino, Felipe Lopes — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Schiffino, Felipe Lopes
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.