Using advanced brain stimulation to improve neural activity 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-10850277 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to use deep brain stimulation for people with Alzheimer's by creating a smart system that automatically adjusts the treatment based on how the brain is doing, which could lead to better results and less need for frequent doctor visits.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $146,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R16NS140310-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10850277 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who have not responded adequately to traditional pharmacological treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or those who are not candidates for deep brain stimulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new approach to deep brain stimulation (DBS) that adapts to the brain's changing needs in patients with Alzheimer's disease. By utilizing machine learning and optimal control techniques, the project aims to create a closed-loop system that automatically adjusts stimulation parameters based on the patient's condition. This innovative method seeks to enhance the effectiveness of DBS in restoring normal brain activity and reducing symptoms associated with Alzheimer's. Patients may benefit from a more personalized and effective treatment option that requires less frequent clinical adjustments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatments for patients with Alzheimer's disease, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While deep brain stimulation has been used in other neurological conditions, this specific approach utilizing closed-loop systems and machine learning is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in Alzheimer's disease.
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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We use brain scans and artificial intelligence to speed up and personalize deep brain stimulation settings for people getting DBS.
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A brain stimulation therapy in people with epilepsy whose seizures aren’t controlled by medicines or surgery is being studied to see if it can help achieve seizure freedom.
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TinyML-powered closed-loop DBS for Parkinson's disease
A small, energy-efficient brain-stimulation system using lightweight AI runs on an implanted device to adapt DBS in real time for people with Parkinson's disease.
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.