Neurodegenerative cognitive disorders

Abstract

Neurodegenerative cognitive disorders have a huge impact on our societies, especially as the general population continues to grow older. These disorders include various dementias including Alzheimer's dementia as the most common one. To date no effective treatments have been identified. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has been tested for its effects in patients with neurodegenerative disorders, especially patients with Alzheimer's dementia. In general, studies show a positive effect on cognition with good tolerability. However, studies to date are limited by small sample sizes, large variability in parameters of stimulation, and lack of long-term interventions and assessments. Future studies need to address these limitations. Further, future research could focus on combining tDCS with other cognitive enhancing interventions, more personalization of stimulation using modeling approaches, and aiming at preventing cognitive decline and cognitive manifestation of neurodegenerative disorders.