A Scoping Review of Neuromodulation Techniques in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Useful Tool for Clinical Practice?

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Neurodegenerative diseases that typically affect the elderly such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and frontotemporal dementia are typically characterised by significant cognitive impairment that worsens significantly over time. To date, viable pharmacological options for the cognitive symptoms in these clinical conditions are lacking. In recent years, various studies have employed neuromodulation techniques to try and contrast patients’ decay. Materials and Methods: We conducted an in-depth literature review of the state-of-the-art of the contribution of these techniques across these neurodegenerative diseases. Results: The present review reports that neuromodulation techniques targeting cognitive impairment do not allow to draw yet any definitive conclusion about their clinical efficacy although preliminary evidence is very encouraging. Conclusions: Further and more robust studies should evaluate the potentialities and limitations of the application of these promising therapeutic tools to neurodegenerative diseases.

The possible effects of electromagnetic waves of Wi-Fi router on the hippocampus of male rats

“…In the Wi-Fi group there was apparent increase in number of cells containing neurofibrillary tangles in their cell bodies as an indicator for cell degeneration appeared by silver stain. These results came with agreement of (Marson et al, 2021) study.…”

Neuromodulation Technologies for the Treatment of Alzheimer Disease

“…Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia worldwide, representing more than 60% of dementia diagnoses. [1][2][3] Although the disease primarily affects older adults (i.e., those 65 and older), when symptoms appear before 65 the disease is referred to as young-or early-onset AD. Young-onset AD can start occurring as early as 30 and represents an estimated 2% to 8% of AD cases in Canada.…”

“…4 AD has a mean life expectancy of approximately 7 years after diagnosis, 5 creating a large burden on families, caregivers, and the public health system. 2,3,6 Not only is AD a burden on individuals and families, but it is a costly disease. Worldwide spending on dementia care was estimated to be US$422 billion in 2009 and is projected to increase.…”

“…Symptoms that present in patients with AD include but are not limited to progressive memory loss, difficulty with communication, decline in functioning associated with completing activities of daily living, and neuropsychiatric symptoms such as hallucinations, mood changes, and apathy agitation. 3,6 As the condition progresses, the symptoms increase and the need for supervision increases, and this in turn increases the burden on family members and caregivers. 11 Not all people exhibit the same symptoms or to the same degree, making the disease heterogenous in nature.…”

A Scoping Review of Cognitive Training in Neurodegenerative Diseases via Computerized and Virtual Reality Tools: What We Know So Far

“…Because these changes have a significant impact on the health care costs and quality of life (QoL) of both patients and their caregivers [ 46 ], it is a priority to identify effective intervention strategies to slow-down cognitive deterioration. To this purpose, pharmacological treatments have failed at addressing and ameliorating cognitive symptoms in patients with PD [ 47 , 48 ], while a series of non-pharmacological approaches, consisting in cognitive stimulation and/or non-invasive brain stimulation [ 49 ], had attracted increasing interest over the last few years.…”