Zapping the brain with electricity may treat dementia

Scientists, including one of Indian-origin, have found a new way to treat dementia by sending electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain to enhance the growth of new brain cells.
The therapeutic procedure, known as deep brain stimulation, is already used in some parts of the world to treat various neurological conditions such as tremors or Dystonia, which is characterised by involuntary muscle contractions and spasms, researchers said.
Scientists from Nanyang Technological University have discovered that deep brain stimulation could also be used to enhance the growth of brain cells which mitigates the harmful effects of dementia-related conditions and improves short and long-term memory.

Their research has shown that new brain cells, or neurons, can be formed by stimulating the front part of the brain which is involved in memory retention using minute amounts of electricity.
The increase in brain cells reduces anxiety and depression, and promotes improved learning, and boosts overall memory formation and retention.
The research findings open new opportunities for developing novel treatment solutions for patients suffering from memory loss due to dementia-related conditions such as Alzheimer's and even Parkinson's disease.

"The findings from the research clearly show the potential of enhancing the growth of brain cells using deep brain stimulation," said Assistant Professor Ajai Vyas from NTU's School of Biological Sciences.

"Around 60 per cent of patients do not respond to regular anti-depressant treatments and our research opens new doors for more effective treatment options," Vyas said.
The research was conducted using middle-aged rats, where electrodes which send out minute micro-electrical impulses were implanted in the brains.
The rats underwent a few memory tests before and after stimulation, and displayed positive results in memory retention, even after 24 hours.
"Extensive studies have shown that rats' brains and memory systems are very similar to humans," said Vyas.
"The electrodes are harmless to the rats, as they go on to live normally and fulfil their regular (adult) lifespan of around 22 months," he said.

The study was published in the journal eLife.