Transcranial direct current stimulation for alzheimer disease

Abstract

Background. Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common form of senile dementia, with an incidence of 1% to 3% in the general population. Currently, there is no cure for AD, and treatments are mainly drug-based. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive method to induce brain plasticity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 10 days of tDCS over the left frontotemporal cortex on cognitive and neurophysiological functioning in AD patients. Methods. 26 patients with AD aged 70 to 85 years were randomised to receive tDCS of the left frontotemporal cortex (n=15) or sham tDCS (n=11). Cognitive and neurophysiological functions were assessed before and after tDCS using the Milan Overall Dementia Assessment and electroencephalography (for alpha and beta bands and P300 latency and amplitude). Results. tDCS resulted in increased cognitive functions in terms of temporal orientation, spatial orientation, reversal learning, verbal intelligence, story, production of word, and attention, as well as increased beta band and decreased P300 latency. Conclusion. tDCS is simple, safe, inexpensive, and non-invasive method to enhance cognitive functions in patients with AD.