1
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Rogers B. Evaluating frontoparietal network topography for diagnostic markers of Alzheimer's disease. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14135. [PMID: 38898075 PMCID: PMC11187222 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64699-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous prospective biomarkers are being studied for their ability to diagnose various stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). High-density electroencephalogram (EEG) methods show promise as an accurate, economical, non-invasive approach to measuring the electrical potentials of brains associated with AD. Event-related potentials (ERPs) may serve as clinically useful biomarkers of AD. Through analysis of secondary data, the present study examined the performance and distribution of N4/P6 ERPs across the frontoparietal network (FPN) using EEG topographic mapping. ERP measures and memory as a function of reaction time (RT) were compared between a group of (n = 63) mild untreated AD patients and a control group of (n = 73) healthy age-matched adults. Based on the literature presented, it was expected that healthy controls would outperform patients in peak amplitude and mean component latency across three parameters of memory when measured at optimal N4 (frontal) and P6 (parietal) locations. It was also predicted that the control group would exhibit neural cohesion through FPN integration during cross-modal tasks, thus demonstrating healthy cognitive functioning consistent with older healthy adults. By targeting select frontal and parietal EEG reference channels based on N4/P6 component time windows and positivity, our findings demonstrated statistically significant group variations between controls and patients in N4/P6 peak amplitudes and latencies during cross-modal testing. Our results also support that the N4 ERP might be stronger than its P6 counterpart as a possible candidate biomarker. We conclude through topographic mapping that FPN integration occurs in healthy controls but is absent in AD patients during cross-modal memory tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayard Rogers
- Department of Psychology, University of Glasgow, School of Psychology and Neuroscience, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
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2
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Uehara MA, Francisco CO, Lithgow B, Koski L, Moussavi Z. Does Resting Motor Threshold correlate with severity of Alzheimer's disease? ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2022; 2022:4383-4386. [PMID: 36086598 DOI: 10.1109/embc48229.2022.9871657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Conflicting results have emerged from studies examining the potential of resting motor threshold (RMT) as a neurophysiological marker for Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis and progression. In this study, we estimated the strength of the association between RMT measurements and severity of cognitive impairment in a relatively large sample (N=128) of clinical trial participants with mild (Clinical Dementia Rating - CDR=1) to moderate (CDR=2) AD. RMT for each participant was determined by applying single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation repeated at varying intensities over left and right sides of the primary motor cortex. RMT is the minimum intensity that evoked a visible contralateral involuntary finger twitch and RMT asymmetry is the absolute difference between the left and right RMT measurements. Cognitive impairment was measured with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale - Cognitive (ADAS-Cog) scores. Although the left and right RMT was lower in CDR 2 than in CDR 1 participants, neither RMT nor RMT asymmetry correlated significantly with cognitive test scores. In conclusion, our study in a large sample size does not support the idea that RMT is a sensitive marker of cognitive decline/severity in AD. Clinical Relevance- This study provides evidence that RMT may not be useful for AD progression monitoring.
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3
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Somaa FA, de Graaf TA, Sack AT. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Neurological Diseases. Front Neurol 2022; 13:793253. [PMID: 35669870 PMCID: PMC9163300 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.793253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has widespread use in research and clinical application. For psychiatric applications, such as depression or OCD, repetitive TMS protocols (rTMS) are an established and globally applied treatment option. While promising, rTMS is not yet as common in treating neurological diseases, except for neurorehabilitation after (motor) stroke and neuropathic pain treatment. This may soon change. New clinical studies testing the potential of rTMS in various other neurological conditions appear at a rapid pace. This can prove challenging for both practitioners and clinical researchers. Although most of these neurological applications have not yet received the same level of scientific/empirical scrutiny as motor stroke and neuropathic pain, the results are encouraging, opening new doors for TMS in neurology. We here review the latest clinical evidence for rTMS in pioneering neurological applications including movement disorders, Alzheimer's disease/mild cognitive impairment, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and disorders of consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad A. Somaa
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tom A. de Graaf
- Section Brain Stimulation and Cognition, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Center of Integrative Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Alexander T. Sack
- Section Brain Stimulation and Cognition, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Center of Integrative Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Brain + Nerve Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands
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4
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Rodella C, Cespón J, Repetto C, Pellicciari MC. Customized Application of tDCS for Clinical Rehabilitation in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:687968. [PMID: 34393740 PMCID: PMC8358653 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.687968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Rodella
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Jesús Cespón
- Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Claudia Repetto
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
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5
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Nardone R, Sebastianelli L, Versace V, Ferrazzoli D, Saltuari L, Trinka E. TMS-EEG Co-Registration in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias: A Systematic Review. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11030303. [PMID: 33673709 PMCID: PMC7997266 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11030303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An established method to assess effective brain connectivity is the combined use of transcranial magnetic stimulation with simultaneous electroencephalography (TMS–EEG) because TMS-induced cortical responses propagate to distant anatomically connected brain areas. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other dementias are associated with changes in brain networks and connectivity, but the underlying pathophysiology of these processes is poorly defined. We performed here a systematic review of the studies employing TMS–EEG co-registration in patients with dementias. TMS–EEG studies targeting the motor cortex have revealed a significantly reduced TMS-evoked P30 in AD patients in the temporo-parietal cortex ipsilateral to stimulation side as well as in the contralateral fronto-central area, and we have demonstrated a deep rearrangement of the sensorimotor system even in mild AD patients. TMS–EEG studies targeting other cortical areas showed alterations of effective dorsolateral prefrontal cortex connectivity as well as an inverse correlation between prefrontal-to-parietal connectivity and cognitive impairment. Moreover, TMS–EEG analysis showed a selective increase in precuneus neural activity. TMS–EEG co-registrations can also been used to investigate whether different drugs may affect cognitive functions in patients with dementias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Nardone
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), 39012 Merano-Meran, Italy
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Karl Landsteiner Institut für Neurorehabilitation und Raumfahrtneurologie, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +473/264553; Fax: +473/264449
| | - Luca Sebastianelli
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), 39049 Vipiteno-Sterzing, Italy; (L.S.); (V.V.); (D.F.); (L.S.)
- Research Unit for Neurorehabilitation South Tyrol, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Viviana Versace
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), 39049 Vipiteno-Sterzing, Italy; (L.S.); (V.V.); (D.F.); (L.S.)
- Research Unit for Neurorehabilitation South Tyrol, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Davide Ferrazzoli
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), 39049 Vipiteno-Sterzing, Italy; (L.S.); (V.V.); (D.F.); (L.S.)
- Research Unit for Neurorehabilitation South Tyrol, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Leopold Saltuari
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), 39049 Vipiteno-Sterzing, Italy; (L.S.); (V.V.); (D.F.); (L.S.)
- Research Unit for Neurorehabilitation South Tyrol, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
- Centre for Cognitive Neurosciences Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- University for Medical Informatics and Health Technology, UMIT, 6060 Hall in Tirol, Tirol, Austria
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6
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Colella D, Guerra A, Paparella G, Cioffi E, Di Vita A, Trebbastoni A, Berardelli A, Bologna M. Motor dysfunction in mild cognitive impairment as tested by kinematic analysis and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Clin Neurophysiol 2021; 132:315-322. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2020.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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7
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Kwon J, Choi JS, Lee J, Na J, Sung J, Lee HJ, Lee HS, Lim YB, Choi HJ. Disaggregation of Amyloid-β Plaques by a Local Electric Field Generated by a Vertical Nanowire Electrode Array. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:55596-55604. [PMID: 33269924 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c16000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The aggregation and accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides is a characteristic pathology for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although noninvasive therapies involving stimulation by electric field (EF) have been reported, the efficiency of Aβ disaggregation needs to be further improved for this strategy to be used in clinical settings. In this study, we show that an electrode based on a vertical nanowire electrode array (VNEA) is far more superior to a typical flat-type electrode in disaggregating Aβ plaques. The enhanced disaggregation efficiency of VNEA is due to the formation of high-strength local EF between the nanowires, as verified by in silico and empirical evidence. Compared with those of the flat electrode, the simulation data revealed that 19.8-fold and 8.8-fold higher EFs are generated above and between the nanowires, respectively. Moreover, empirical cyclic voltammetry data demonstrated that VNEA had a 2.7-fold higher charge capacity than the flat electrode; this is associated with the higher surface area of VNEA. The conformational transition of Aβ peptides between the β-sheet and α-helix could be sensitively monitored in real time by the newly designed in situ circular dichroism instrument. This highly efficient EF-configuration of VNEA will lower the stimulation power for disaggregating the Aβ plaques, compared to that of other existing field-mediated modulation systems. Considering the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor-compatibility and biocompatible strength of the EF for perturbing the Aβ aggregation, our study could pave the way for the potential use of electric stimulation devices for in vivo therapeutic application as well as scientific studies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juyoung Kwon
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Shik Choi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaejun Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jukwan Na
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaesuk Sung
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jung Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Soo Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Beom Lim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Heon-Jin Choi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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8
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Gossye H, Van Broeckhoven C, Engelborghs S. The Use of Biomarkers and Genetic Screening to Diagnose Frontotemporal Dementia: Evidence and Clinical Implications. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:757. [PMID: 31447625 PMCID: PMC6691066 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the wide range of neurodegenerative brain diseases, the differential diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) frequently poses a challenge. Often, signs and symptoms are not characteristic of the disease and may instead reflect atypical presentations. Consequently, the use of disease biomarkers is of importance to correctly identify the patients. Here, we describe how neuropsychological characteristics, neuroimaging and neurochemical biomarkers and screening for causal gene mutations can be used to differentiate FTD from other neurodegenerative diseases as well as to distinguish between FTD subtypes. Summarizing current evidence, we propose a stepwise approach in the diagnostic evaluation. Clinical consensus criteria that take into account a full neuropsychological examination have relatively good accuracy (sensitivity [se] 75–95%, specificity [sp] 82–95%) to diagnose FTD, although misdiagnosis (mostly AD) is common. Structural brain MRI (se 70–94%, sp 89–99%) and FDG PET (se 47–90%, sp 68–98%) or SPECT (se 36–100%, sp 41–100%) brain scans greatly increase diagnostic accuracy, showing greater involvement of frontal and anterior temporal lobes, with sparing of hippocampi and medial temporal lobes. If these results are inconclusive, we suggest detecting amyloid and tau cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers that can indicate the presence of AD with good accuracy (se 74–100%, sp 82–97%). The use of P-tau181 and the Aβ1–42/Aβ1–40 ratio significantly increases the accuracy of correctly identifying FTD vs. AD. Alternatively, an amyloid brain PET scan can be performed to differentiate FTD from AD. When autosomal dominant inheritance is suspected, or in early onset dementia, mutation screening of causal genes is indicated and may also be offered to at-risk family members. We have summarized genotype–phenotype correlations for several genes that are known to cause familial frontotemporal lobar degeneration, which is the neuropathological substrate of FTD. The genes most commonly associated with this disease (C9orf72, MAPT, GRN, TBK1) are discussed, as well as some less frequent ones (CHMP2B, VCP). Several other techniques, such as diffusion tensor imaging, tau PET imaging and measuring serum neurofilament levels, show promise for future implementation as diagnostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Gossye
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases Group, Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium.,Institute Born - Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Neurology and Center for Neurosciences, UZ Brussel and Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Van Broeckhoven
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases Group, Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium.,Institute Born - Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sebastiaan Engelborghs
- Institute Born - Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Neurology and Center for Neurosciences, UZ Brussel and Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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9
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Early Electrophysiological Disintegration of Hippocampal Neural Networks in a Novel Locus Coeruleus Tau-Seeding Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Neural Plast 2019; 2019:6981268. [PMID: 31285742 PMCID: PMC6594257 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6981268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of synapses and disrupted functional connectivity (FC) across different brain regions. Early in AD progression, tau pathology is found in the locus coeruleus (LC) prior to amyloid-induced exacerbation of clinical symptoms. Here, a tau-seeding model in which preformed synthetic tau fibrils (K18) were unilaterally injected into the LC of P301L mice, equipped with multichannel electrodes for recording EEG in frontal cortical and CA1-CA3 hippocampal areas, was used to longitudinally quantify over 20 weeks of functional network dynamics in (1) power spectra; (2) FC using intra- and intersite phase-amplitude theta-gamma coupling (PAC); (3) coherence, partial coherence, and global coherent network efficiency (Eglob) estimates; and (4) the directionality of functional connectivity using extended partial direct coherence (PDC). A sustained leftward shift in the theta peak frequency was found early in the power spectra of hippocampal CA1 networks ipsilateral to the injection site. Strikingly, hippocampal CA1 coherence and Eglob measures were impaired in K18-treated animals. Estimation of instantaneous EEG amplitudes revealed deficiency in the propagation directionality of gamma oscillations in the CA1 circuit. Impaired PAC strength evidenced by decreased modulation of the theta frequency phase on gamma frequency amplitude further confirms impairments of the neural CA1 network. The present results demonstrate early dysfunctional hippocampal networks, despite no spreading tau pathology to the hippocampus and frontal cortex. The ability of the K18 seed in the brainstem LC to elicit such robust functional alterations in distant hippocampal structures in the absence of pathology challenges the classic view that tau pathology spread to an area is necessary to elicit functional impairments in that area.
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10
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Vassiliadis P, Grandjean J, Derosiere G, de Wilde Y, Quemener L, Duque J. Using a Double-Coil TMS Protocol to Assess Preparatory Inhibition Bilaterally. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:139. [PMID: 29568258 PMCID: PMC5852071 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) applied over the primary motor cortex (M1), elicits motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) in contralateral limb muscles which are valuable indicators of corticospinal excitability (CSE) at the time of stimulation. So far, most studies have used single-coil TMS over one M1, yielding MEPs in muscles of a single limb-usually the hand. However, tracking CSE in the two hands simultaneously would be useful in many contexts. We recently showed that, in the resting state, double-coil stimulation of the two M1 with a 1 ms inter-pulse interval (double-coil1 ms TMS) elicits MEPs in both hands that are comparable to MEPs obtained using single-coil TMS. To further evaluate this new technique, we considered the MEPs elicited by double-coil1 ms TMS in an instructed-delay choice reaction time task where a prepared response has to be withheld until an imperative signal is displayed. Single-coil TMS studies have repetitively shown that in this type of task, the motor system is transiently inhibited during the delay period, as evident from the broad suppression of MEP amplitudes. Here, we aimed at investigating whether a comparable inhibitory effect can be observed with MEPs elicited using double-coil1 ms TMS. To do so, we compared the amplitude as well as the coefficient of variation (CV) of MEPs produced by double-coil1 ms or single-coil TMS during action preparation. We observed that MEPs were suppressed (smaller amplitude) and often less variable (smaller CV) during the delay period compared to baseline. Importantly, these effects were equivalent whether single-coil or double-coil1 ms TMS was used. This suggests that double-coil1 ms TMS is a reliable tool to assess CSE, not only when subjects are at rest, but also when they are involved in a task, opening new research horizons for scientists interested in the corticospinal correlates of human behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Vassiliadis
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julien Grandjean
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gerard Derosiere
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ysaline de Wilde
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Louise Quemener
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julie Duque
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Abstract
The term vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) was introduced around the start of the new millennium and refers to the contribution of vascular pathology to any severity of cognitive impairment, ranging from subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment to dementia. Although vascular pathology is common in elderly individuals with cognitive decline, pure vascular dementia (that is, dementia caused solely by vascular pathology) is uncommon. Indeed, most patients with vascular dementia also have other types of pathology, the most common of which is Alzheimer disease (specifically, the diffuse accumulation of amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau). At present, the main treatment for VCI is prevention by treating vascular diseases and other risk factors for VCI, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Despite the current paucity of disease-modifying pharmacological treatments, we foresee that eventually, we might be able to target specific brain diseases to prevent cognitive decline and dementia.
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12
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Bartoli E, Caso F, Magnani G, Baud-Bovy G. Low-Cost Robotic Assessment of Visuo-Motor Deficits in Alzheimer's Disease. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2017; 25:852-860. [PMID: 28574362 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2017.2708715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A low-cost robotic interface was used to assess the visuo-motor performance of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Twenty AD patients and twenty age-matched controls participated in this work. The battery of tests included simple reaction times, position tracking, and stabilization tasks performed with both hands. The regularity, velocity, visual and haptic feedback were manipulated to vary movement complexity. Reaction times and movement tracking error were analyzed. Results show a marked group effect on a subset of conditions, in particular when the patients could not rely on the visual feedback of hand movement. The visuo-motor performance correlated with the measures of global cognitive functioning and with different memory-related abilities. Our results support the hypothesis that the ability to recall and use visuo-spatial associations might underlie the impairment in complex motor behavior that has been reported in AD patients. Importantly, the patients had preserved learning effects across sessions, which might relate to visuo-motor deficits being less evident in every-day life and clinical assessments. This robotic assessment, lasting less than 1 h, provides detailed information about the integrity of visuo-motor abilities. The data can aid the understanding of the complex pattern of deficits that characterizes this pervasive disease.
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13
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Wang P, Zhang H, Han L, Zhou Y. Cortical function in Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. Transl Neurosci 2016; 7:116-125. [PMID: 28123831 PMCID: PMC5234521 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2016-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) are the most common causes of dementia; however, their overlapping clinical syndromes and involved brain regions make a differential diagnosis difficult. We aimed to identify the differences in the cognition and motor cortex excitability between AD and bvFTD patients. Methods Twenty-seven AD patients and 30 bvFTD patients were included in the study. Each participant received a neurological evaluation. Cognitive event-related potentials (P300) were recorded during an auditory oddball task. Next, the excitability of the motor cortex, including the resting, facilitated motor threshold (RMT and FMT) and cortical silent period (CSP), were assessed during transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Results The bvFTD patients exhibited significantly longer P300 latencies compared with AD patients. There was a significant negative correlation between cognition and P300 latency in the bvFTD group. The AD patients showed significantly reduced RMT and FMT values compared to the bvFTD group; however, no significant correlation was found between AD severity and the excitability of the motor cortex. Conclusions Cognition and motor cortical functions are different between AD and bvFTD patients. Noninvasive electrophysiological examinations have the potential to identify unique pathophysiological features that can be used to differentially diagnose AD and bvFTD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, P.R. China
| | - Huihong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, P.R. China
| | - Lu Han
- Department of electrophysiology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, P.R. China
| | - Yuying Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, P.R. China
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14
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Ferreri F, Vecchio F, Vollero L, Guerra A, Petrichella S, Ponzo D, Määtta S, Mervaala E, Könönen M, Ursini F, Pasqualetti P, Iannello G, Rossini PM, Di Lazzaro V. Sensorimotor cortex excitability and connectivity in Alzheimer's disease: A TMS-EEG Co-registration study. Hum Brain Mapp 2016; 37:2083-96. [PMID: 26945686 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Revised: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have shown that, in spite of the fact that motor symptoms manifest late in the course of Alzheimer's disease (AD), neuropathological progression in the motor cortex parallels that in other brain areas generally considered more specific targets of the neurodegenerative process. It has been suggested that motor cortex excitability is enhanced in AD from the early stages, and that this is related to disease's severity and progression. To investigate the neurophysiological hallmarks of motor cortex functionality in early AD we combined transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with electroencephalography (EEG). We demonstrated that in mild AD the sensorimotor system is hyperexcitable, despite the lack of clinically evident motor manifestations. This phenomenon causes a stronger response to stimulation in a specific time window, possibly due to locally acting reinforcing circuits, while network activity and connectivity is reduced. These changes could be interpreted as a compensatory mechanism allowing for the preservation of sensorimotor programming and execution over a long period of time, regardless of the disease's progression. Hum Brain Mapp 37:2083-2096, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florinda Ferreri
- Department of Neurology, University Campus Biomedico, Rome, Italy.,Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Kuopio University Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Fabrizio Vecchio
- Brain Connectivity Laboratory, IRCCS S. Raffaele-Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Vollero
- Department of Computer Science and Computer Engineering, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Guerra
- Department of Neurology, University Campus Biomedico, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Petrichella
- Department of Computer Science and Computer Engineering, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - David Ponzo
- Department of Neurology, University Campus Biomedico, Rome, Italy.,Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Kuopio University Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sara Määtta
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Kuopio University Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Esa Mervaala
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Kuopio University Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mervi Könönen
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Kuopio University Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Francesca Ursini
- Department of Neurology, University Campus Biomedico, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizio Pasqualetti
- Brain Connectivity Laboratory, IRCCS S. Raffaele-Pisana, Rome, Italy.,AFaR Division, Service of Medical Statistics and Information Technology, Fatebenefratelli Foundation for Health Research and Education, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Iannello
- Department of Computer Science and Computer Engineering, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Maria Rossini
- Brain Connectivity Laboratory, IRCCS S. Raffaele-Pisana, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Neurology, Department of Geriatrics, Neurosciences, Orthopaedics, Policlinic a. Gemelli, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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15
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Chandra SR, Issac TG, Nagaraju BC, Philip M. A Study of Cortical Excitability, Central Motor Conduction, and Cortical Inhibition Using Single Pulse Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Patients with Early Frontotemporal and Alzheimer's Dementia. Indian J Psychol Med 2016; 38:25-30. [PMID: 27011398 PMCID: PMC4782440 DOI: 10.4103/0253-7176.175099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Degenerative cortical dementias affect several million people worldwide. Early diagnosis and categorization are essential for initiating appropriate pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment so that deterioration can be postponed, and disability adjusted life years can be saved both for the patient and for the caregiver. Therefore, an early, simple, noninvasive biomarker will serve as a boon. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients who satisfied probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) or frontotemporal dementia (FTD) using international consensus criteria for FTD and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke-AD and Related Disorders Association criteria for AD were evaluated using single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation with figure of eight coil and motor evoked potential from right first dorsal interossei. Resting threshold (MT), central motor conduction time (CMCT), and silent period (SP) were evaluated. RESULTS Resting MT and SP are reduced in patients with Alzheimer's disease whereas CMCT is prolonged in patients with FTD and SP is in the lower limit of normal in both conditions. CONCLUSION The patterns of central motor conduction and MT are distinctly different in patients with early Alzheimer's disease (AD) and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Gregor Issac
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - B C Nagaraju
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Mariamma Philip
- Department of Biostatistics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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16
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Hsiao FJ, Yu HY, Chen WT, Kwan SY, Chen C, Yen DJ, Yiu CH, Shih YH, Lin YY. Increased Intrinsic Connectivity of the Default Mode Network in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Evidence from Resting-State MEG Recordings. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128787. [PMID: 26035750 PMCID: PMC4452781 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The electrophysiological signature of resting state oscillatory functional connectivity within the default mode network (DMN) during spike-free periods in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) remains unclear. Using magnetoencephalographic (MEG) recordings, this study investigated how the connectivity within the DMN was altered in TLE, and we examined the effect of lateralized TLE on functional connectivity. Sixteen medically intractable TLE patients and 22 controls participated in this study. Whole-scalp 306-channel MEG epochs without interictal spikes generated from both MEG and EEG data were analyzed using a minimum norm estimate (MNE) and source-based imaginary coherence analysis. With this processing, we obtained the cortical activation and functional connectivity within the DMN. The functional connectivity was increased between DMN and the right medial temporal (MT) region at the delta band and between DMN and the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) regions at the theta band. The functional change was associated with the lateralization of TLE. The right TLE showed enhanced DMN connectivity with the right MT while the left TLE demonstrated increased DMN connectivity with the bilateral MT. There was no lateralization effect of TLE upon the DMN connectivity with ACC. These findings suggest that the resting-state functional connectivity within the DMN is reinforced in temporal lobe epilepsy during spike-free periods. Future studies are needed to examine if the altered functional connectivity can be used as a biomarker for treatment responses, cognitive dysfunction and prognosis in patients with TLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Jung Hsiao
- Institute of Brain Science, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Education and Research, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology at Medical Research Division, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (FJH); (YYL)
| | - Hsiang-Yu Yu
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ta Chen
- Institute of Brain Science, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology at Medical Research Division, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Yeong Kwan
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien Chen
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Der-Jen Yen
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hing Yiu
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Hsin Shih
- Institute of Brain Science, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Yang Lin
- Institute of Brain Science, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology at Medical Research Division, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (FJH); (YYL)
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17
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Nardone R, Höller Y, Tezzon F, Christova M, Schwenker K, Golaszewski S, Trinka E, Brigo F. Neurostimulation in Alzheimer's disease: from basic research to clinical applications. Neurol Sci 2015; 36:689-700. [PMID: 25721941 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-015-2120-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The development of different methods of brain stimulation provides a promising therapeutic tool with potentially beneficial effects on subjects with impaired cognitive functions. We performed a systematic review of the studies published in the field of neurostimulation in Alzheimer's disease (AD), from basic research to clinical applications. The main methods of non-invasive brain stimulation are repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation. Preliminary findings have suggested that both techniques can enhance performances on several cognitive functions impaired in AD. Another non-invasive emerging neuromodulatory approach, the transcranial electromagnetic treatment, was found to reverse cognitive impairment in AD transgenic mice and even improves cognitive performance in normal mice. Experimental studies suggest that high-frequency electromagnetic fields may be critically important in AD prevention and treatment through their action at mitochondrial level. Finally, the application of a widely known invasive technique, the deep brain stimulation (DBS), has increasingly been considered as a therapeutic option also for patients with AD; it has been demonstrated that DBS of fornix/hypothalamus and nucleus basalis of Meynert might improve or at least stabilize cognitive functioning in AD. Initial encouraging results provide support for continuing to investigate non-invasive and invasive brain stimulation approaches as an adjuvant treatment for AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Nardone
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University and Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria,
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18
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Zhao C, Zhang S, Liu Z, Yin T. Simulation Study to Improve Focalization of a Figure Eight Coil by Using a Conductive Shield Plate and a Ferromagnetic Block. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2015; 23:529-37. [PMID: 25594972 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2015.2389263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A new method to improve the focalization and efficiency of the Figure of Eight (FOE) coil in rTMS is discussed in this paper. In order to decrease the half width of the distribution curve (HWDC), as well to increase the ratio of positive peak value to negative peak value (RPN) of the induced electric field, a shield plate with a window and a ferromagnetic block are assumed to enhance the positive peak value of the induced electrical field. The shield is made of highly conductive copper, and the block is made of highly permeable soft magnetic ferrite. A computer simulation is conducted on ANSYS® software to conduct the finite element analysis (FEA). Two comparing coefficients were set up to optimize the sizes of the shield window and the block. Simulation results show that a shield with a 60 mm × 30 mm sized window, together with a block 40 mm thick, can decrease the focal area of a FOE coil by 46.7%, while increasing the RPN by 135.9%. The block enhances the peak value of the electrical field induced by a shield-FOE by 8.4%. A real human head model was occupied in this paper to further verify our method.
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19
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Hansen N. Brain stimulation for combating Alzheimer's disease. Front Neurol 2014; 5:80. [PMID: 24917846 PMCID: PMC4040449 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2014.00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum , Bochum , Germany
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Cotelli M, Manenti R, Brambilla M, Petesi M, Rosini S, Ferrari C, Zanetti O, Miniussi C. Anodal tDCS during face-name associations memory training in Alzheimer's patients. Front Aging Neurosci 2014; 6:38. [PMID: 24678298 PMCID: PMC3958642 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2014.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Given the limited effectiveness of pharmacological treatments, non-pharmacological interventions to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD) have gained attention in recent years. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of anodal tDCS (AtDCS) combined with memory training on face-name associations in an AD patient sample. Methods: Thirty six AD patients were randomly assigned to one of three study groups: Group 1, AtDCS plus individualized computerized memory training; Group 2, placebo tDCS plus individualized computerized memory training; Group 3, AtDCS plus motor training. Results: A general improvement in performance was observed after 2 weeks of memory training. Both the anodal tDCS plus individualized computerized memory training and the placebo tDCS plus individualized computerized memory training groups had significantly improved performances at 2 weeks compared with the AtDCS plus motor training group. Conclusion: Our findings suggest a beneficial effect of individualized memory rehabilitation in AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cotelli
- IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio - Fatebenefratelli Brescia, Italy
| | - Rosa Manenti
- IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio - Fatebenefratelli Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Michela Petesi
- IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio - Fatebenefratelli Brescia, Italy
| | - Sandra Rosini
- IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio - Fatebenefratelli Brescia, Italy
| | - Clarissa Ferrari
- IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio - Fatebenefratelli Brescia, Italy
| | - Orazio Zanetti
- IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio - Fatebenefratelli Brescia, Italy
| | - Carlo Miniussi
- IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio - Fatebenefratelli Brescia, Italy ; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Brescia Brescia, Italy
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21
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Low-frequency (1Hz) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) reverses Aβ1–42-mediated memory deficits in rats. Exp Gerontol 2013; 48:786-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2013.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Revised: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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22
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Cotelli M, Manenti R, Zanetti O, Miniussi C. Non-pharmacological intervention for memory decline. Front Hum Neurosci 2012; 6:46. [PMID: 22408614 PMCID: PMC3297818 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2012.00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-pharmacological intervention of memory difficulties in healthy older adults, as well as those with brain damage and neurodegenerative disorders, has gained much attention in recent years. The two main reasons that explain this growing interest in memory rehabilitation are the limited efficacy of current drug therapies and the plasticity of the human central nervous and the discovery that during aging, the connections in the brain are not fixed but retain the capacity to change with learning. Moreover, several studies have reported enhanced cognitive performance in patients with neurological disease, following non-invasive brain stimulation [i.e., repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation to specific cortical areas]. The present review provides an overview of memory rehabilitation in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and in patients with Alzheimer’s disease with particular regard to cognitive rehabilitation interventions focused on memory and non-invasive brain stimulation. Reviewed data suggest that in patients with memory deficits, memory intervention therapy could lead to performance improvements in memory, nevertheless further studies need to be conducted in order to establish the real value of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cotelli
- IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli Brescia, Italy
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