Neurostimulation to Improve Depression and Memory in Dementia

The goal of this project is to unravel how symptom-specific home-based brain stimulation can effectively improve both depressive and memory symptoms in older adults with comorbid depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

This project will combine two types of transcranial electrical stimulation, a noninvasive technology that allows for the modulation of brain network activity to address depressive and memory symptoms in older adults with depression and Alzheimer’s dementia. By using cutting-edge technology to study the electrical fields generated in the targeted brain circuits and delivering the intervention at home, this project will help develop a scalable, accessible, noninvasive intervention with the greatest impact on alleviating depression and Alzheimer’s symptoms.

This project pioneers an approach to addressing comorbid depression and Alzheimer’s disease in older adults, a challenge unmet by current treatments. By using brain stimulation targeting depressive and memory symptoms, it offers an innovative way to enhance functional abilities. We will determine the optimal stimulation dosage for better outcomes, as well as explore how neurodegeneration blood markers influence treatment effectiveness, paving the way for better targeted treatment. Training caregivers for at-home administration broadens access and may revolutionize intervention delivery.

Our findings will determine whether symptom-specific brain stimulation can improve functional disability in individuals with depression and Alzheimer’s disease. We will also uncover how specific brain networks relate to symptoms, identifying the optimal stimulation dosage for patients, and lay the foundation for personalized stimulation optimization in future studies. Moreover, by bringing the intervention in participants’ homes, we will enhance accessibility, scalability, and empowerment of patients and caregivers, potentially transforming the intervention delivery practices in the future.