Non-contact nerve stimulation device

Abstract

A non-contact nerve stimulation device is disclosed. The non-contact nerve stimulation device comprises: a stimulator for outputting electromagnetic waves for stimulating a first region of the brain from outside the body; and a device for aligning the stimulator to a stimulation position which is an anatomical position adjacent to the first region of the brain, wherein the electromagnetic waves output from the stimulator generate an active potential in the first region of the brain, and the potential activation of the first region of the brain can generate an active potential in a second region of the brain and thereby activate microglia.

Description

Non-contact nerve stimulation device

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-contact nerve stimulation device, and more specifically, to a non-contact nerve stimulation device that can prevent the occurrence of dementia and delay the progression of dementia using electromagnetic waves.

[0002] Dementia refers to impairments in memory, language, and behavior. Types of dementia include degenerative dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia caused by stroke, and others caused by various factors such as injury or medication.

[0003] Dementia is not just a problem for the patient alone; it is a disease that inflicts significant social damage, requiring the support of families and society to care for and protect the patient. According to the "2018 Dementia Status in Korea" report published by the National Dementia Center, among the 7,066,201 elderly people aged 65 and older nationwide, an estimated 705,473 are diagnosed with dementia, resulting in a dementia prevalence rate of 10.0%. This means that one in ten elderly people aged 65 and older suffer from dementia. Furthermore, the proportion of patients diagnosed and treated for dementia at medical institutions (those with dementia) compared to the estimated number of dementia patients is 93.7%. The number of dementia patients is expected to continue to increase, rapidly exceeding 1 million in 2024, 2 million in 2039, and 3 million in 2050.

[0004] The annual cost of managing a dementia patient is estimated at approximately 20.74 million won, and the national dementia management cost is estimated at approximately 14.6 trillion won. This represents a significant sum, representing approximately 0.8% of GDP. The annual medical expenses for dementia patients aged 65 and older are estimated at approximately 2.3 trillion won, or approximately 3.44 million won per person.

[0005] For this reason, early diagnosis of dementia is considered an important means of increasing treatment effectiveness, controlling and treating the progression of dementia, reducing social costs related to national medical expenses, and improving the health, quality of life, and happiness index of the people.

[0006] Dementia can be diagnosed early through olfactory tests (EBG, rhinorrhea testing) 5-10 years before the onset of symptoms, making it possible to prevent and manage the disease's progression. Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves two types of medications: cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists (e.g., memantine).

[0007] The therapeutic efficacy of these drugs is very limited. They only alleviate symptoms rather than halting the progression of the disease or curing the disease itself. Furthermore, drug treatments often carry serious and even fatal side effects, raising questions about the effectiveness of drug treatments for dementia. Furthermore,

[0008] For this reason, there is a need to develop new methods and devices that can inhibit the progression of dementia.

[0009] The present invention provides a non-contact nerve stimulation device that can prevent the occurrence of dementia and delay the progression of dementia by using electromagnetic waves.

[0010] In addition, the present invention provides a non-contact nerve stimulation device that can be worn in daily life.

[0011] A non-contact nerve stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a stimulator that outputs electromagnetic waves for stimulating a first region of the brain from outside the body; and a device that aligns the stimulator to a stimulation location that is an anatomical location adjacent to the first region of the brain, wherein the electromagnetic waves output from the stimulator cause an action potential in the first region of the brain, and the potential activity of the first region of the brain causes an action potential in a second region of the brain, thereby activating microglia.

[0012] In addition, the first region of the brain is the olfactory bulb, the second region of the brain is the hippocampus, and the potential activity of the olfactory bulb and the potential activity of the hippocampus can occur in a chain.

[0013] Additionally, the stimulation location may include at least one of the nasal cavity, the glabella, and the frontal sinus.

[0014] Additionally, the stimulation location may include at least one of the ear and the temple.

[0015] Additionally, the electromagnetic wave may be a pulse-shaped RF electromagnetic wave.

[0016] Additionally, the frequency of the electromagnetic wave may be 20 Hz to 40 Hz.

[0017] In addition, the stimulator may include a signal generator that generates a sine wave signal; a modulator that modulates the sine wave signal into a pulse width modulation signal; an amplifier that amplifies the pulse width modulation signal; and an antenna module that focuses the signal amplified by the amplifier and outputs the electromagnetic wave.

[0018] Additionally, the antenna module may have a reflection coefficient of -10 dB or less in the 2.45 GHz band.

[0019] Additionally, the antenna module may have negative permittivity and permeability in the 2.45 Hz band.

[0020] Additionally, the antenna module may include a waveguide; and a plurality of antennas sequentially stacked within the waveguide, the antennas having a metal pattern formed on a metamaterial-based substrate.

[0021] Additionally, the substrate may be rectangular and the metal pattern may be square.

[0022] Additionally, the metal pattern formed on each of the antennas may have the same size.

[0023] A non-contact nerve stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a stimulator that outputs electromagnetic waves for stimulating the hippocampus of the brain externally; and a device that aligns the stimulator to a stimulation position, wherein the electromagnetic waves output from the stimulator can induce an action potential in the hippocampus and activate microglia.

[0024] Additionally, the electromagnetic wave may be a pulse-shaped RF electromagnetic wave.

[0025] Additionally, the electromagnetic wave can be output to the stimulation location in a non-contact manner.

[0026] Additionally, the stimulation location may include at least one of the nasal cavity, glabella, frontal sinus, ear, and temple.

[0027] According to the present invention, electromagnetic waves cause an action potential in the olfactory bulb, and the potential activity of the olfactory bulb causes an action potential in the hippocampus, thereby activating the phagocytosis of microglia.

[0028] In addition, according to the present invention, electromagnetic wave stimulation can activate the phagocytosis of microglia to remove beta-alanine aggregates accumulated in the hippocampus, thereby suppressing the death of hippocampal neurons.

[0029] In addition, according to the present invention, the nerve stimulation device can be worn for a long time in daily life, so that the occurrence of dementia can be prevented and the progression of dementia can be delayed.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a non-contact nerve stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig. 2 is a drawing showing the detailed configuration of the stimulator of Fig. 1.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the antenna module of Fig. 3.

[0034] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the stacked antennas of the antenna module.

[0035] Figure 6 is a plan view of the antenna.

[0036] FIGS. 7 to 9 are graphs showing the reflection coefficient, permittivity, and permeability of an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 10 is a drawing comparing the electromagnetic wave output intensity of an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention and an antenna module according to comparative examples.

[0038] FIG. 11 is a graph comparing the reflection coefficients of an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention and an antenna module according to comparative examples.

[0039] FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are drawings showing an antana module according to an embodiment of the present invention outputting electromagnetic waves to stimulate the olfactory bulb outside the body.

[0040] Figure 14 is a drawing showing how electromagnetic waves output from an antenna module reach the olfactory bulb.

[0041] FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are drawings showing a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIGS. 17 to 19 are drawings showing devices according to different embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 20 is a drawing showing an example of use of the nerve stimulation device of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 21 is a drawing showing an experiment to stimulate the olfactory bulb using a nerve stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figures 22 and 23 are graphs measuring the response intensity measured in the olfactory bulb when electromagnetic waves are output at 20 Hz, 30 Hz, and 40 Hz.

[0046] Figure 24 is a graph measuring the response intensity of the olfactory bulb according to the distance between the subject's glabella and the antenna module.

[0047] Figure 25 is a diagram showing the response intensity of the olfactory bulb according to the amount of power applied to the antenna module.

[0048] Figures 26 to 30 are graphs measuring the activity of brain nerves when the olfactory bulb is stimulated with an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figures 31 to 36 are graphs measuring the activity of brain nerves according to the intensity of power applied to the antenna module.

[0050] A nerve stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a stimulator that outputs electromagnetic waves for stimulating a first region of the brain from outside the body; and a device that aligns the stimulator to a stimulation location that is an anatomical location adjacent to the first region of the brain, wherein the electromagnetic waves output from the stimulator cause an action potential in the first region of the brain, and the potential activity of the first region of the brain causes an action potential in a second region of the brain, thereby activating microglia.

[0051] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and may be embodied in other forms. Rather, the embodiments introduced herein are provided to ensure that the disclosed content is thorough and complete and to sufficiently convey the spirit of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0052] In this specification, when a component is referred to as being on another component, it means that it can be formed directly on the other component, or a third component may be interposed between them. In addition, in the drawings, the thicknesses of films and regions are exaggerated for the purpose of effectively explaining the technical contents.

[0053] Also, although terms such as first, second, and third have been used to describe various components in various embodiments of this specification, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Thus, what is referred to as a first component in one embodiment may be referred to as a second component in another embodiment. Each embodiment described and illustrated herein also includes its complementary embodiments. Also, the term "and / or" has been used herein to mean including at least one of the components listed before and after.

[0054] In the specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, component, or combination thereof described in the specification, and should not be construed as excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, components, or combinations thereof. In addition, the term "connection" is used in the present specification to mean both indirectly connecting multiple components and directly connecting them.

[0055] In addition, when describing the present invention below, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0056]

[0057] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a non-contact nerve stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a detailed configuration of the stimulator of FIG. 1.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a non-contact nerve stimulation device (10) outputs electromagnetic waves (50) outside the body to activate microglia.

[0059] A non-contact nerve stimulation device (10) includes a device (100) and a stimulator (200).

[0060] The device (100) aligns the stimulator (200) at the stimulation location. The device (100) may be provided in various forms. According to an embodiment, the device (100) may be provided in the form of any one of glasses, a mask, a skin attachment pad, an eye mask, and a hand piece.

[0061] The device (100) can align the stimulator (200) so that the electromagnetic wave (50) can be output to at least one area among the bridge of the nose (nasal bridge), the glabella, and the frontal sinus. Specifically, the device (100) can align the stimulator (200) so that the electromagnetic wave (50) can be output to the area between the glabella and the glabella. In addition, the device (100) can align the stimulator (200) so that the electromagnetic wave (50) can be output to the ear or temple.

[0062] The stimulator (200) outputs electromagnetic waves (50) to stimulate a first region of the brain from outside the body. The output electromagnetic waves (50) cause an activation potential in the first region of the brain, and the potential activity in the first region causes an activation potential in the second region of the brain. The electromagnetic waves (50) cause activation potentials in the first and second regions of the brain in a chain. According to an embodiment, the first region of the brain may be the olfactory bulb (21), and the second region of the brain may be the hippocampus.

[0063] The olfactory bulb (21) is called the olfactory brain and is located between the forehead and the bridge of the nose (nasal bridge) below the frontal lobe. The olfactory bulb (21) first receives olfactory stimuli and then transmits signals through a series of neural circuits, forming a direct connection with the hippocampus.

[0064] The hippocampus is located deep in the temporal lobes on both sides of the limbic system. Measuring approximately 1 cm wide and 5 cm long, the hippocampus is a pair of deep brain structures that play a key role in synthesizing information and storing it as long-term memory. Because of its central location, the hippocampus presents a structural challenge, making it difficult to access surgically or pharmacologically.

[0065] The electromagnetic wave (50) output from the stimulator (200) induces an action potential in the olfactory bulb (21), and the potential activity of the olfactory bulb (21) induces an action potential in the hippocampus. Stimulation of the hippocampus activates the phagocytosis of microglia. When the phagocytosis of microglia is activated, the aggregation of beta-amyloid aggregates, a dementia-causing protein, can be controlled or the aggregates can be removed.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the stimulator (200) outputs RF electromagnetic waves (50) in a pulse form. The electromagnetic waves (50) can be output at a frequency of 20 Hz to 40 Hz. Preferably, the electromagnetic waves (50) can be output at a frequency of 40 Hz. The 40 Hz electromagnetic waves (50) generate 40 Hz vibrations in the olfactory bulb and hippocampus, activate the phagocytosis of microglia, and effectively remove beta-amyloid aggregates.

[0067] The stimulator (200) includes a signal generator (210), a modulator (220), an amplifier (230), and an antenna module (240).

[0068] The signal generator (210) generates a sine wave signal of a preset frequency. According to an embodiment, the signal generator (210) generates a sine wave signal of the ISM band. The ISM band is a frequency band used in industry, science, and medicine. The signal generator (210) can generate a sine wave signal of 2.45 GHz.

[0069] The modulator (220) modulates the sine wave signal into a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. The modulator (220) can modulate the sine wave signal into pulse electromagnetic waves of 20 Hz, 30 Hz, and 40 Hz through on / off control.

[0070] The amplifier (230) amplifies the pulse electromagnetic wave signal.

[0071] The antenna module (240) outputs the signal amplified by the amplifier (230) in a beam focusing manner.

[0072] The communication unit is connected wirelessly to the user terminal. The communication unit can communicate with the user terminal via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth wireless communication. User terminals include smartphones, tablet PCs, laptops, and personal computers. The communication unit receives information about the activity intensity of brain neurons, their activity time, the frequency of pulsed electromagnetic waves, and the operating time of the non-contact stimulator from the user terminal. The data received from the user terminal is transmitted to the control unit, and the non-contact stimulator operates under the control of the control unit.

[0073] The program for controlling the signal generator and modulator is implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed by computer means, and the activation and activity control of brain neurons can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0074] The computer-readable recording medium may include program commands, data files, and data structures, either singly or in combination. The computer-readable recording medium may include a hardware device configured to store and execute program commands in a storage medium such as a storage, a server, a hard disk, a magnetic media such as a floppy disk and a magnetic tape, an optical media such as a CD-ROM or a DVD, a magneto-optical media such as a floptical disk, and a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, a storage, and the like.

[0075] Examples of program instructions include those produced by a compiler, and high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, as well as machine code.

[0076]

[0077] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the antenna module of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the antennas of the antenna module stacked, and FIG. 6 is a plan view of the antenna.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the antenna module (240) includes a waveguide (310) and an antenna (320).

[0079] The waveguide (310) restricts the direction of transmission of electromagnetic waves to one direction and guides the transmission of electromagnetic waves. The waveguide (310) may be provided in a rectangular tubular shape and is provided with a dielectric or conductive material.

[0080] A plurality of antennas (320) are provided and sequentially stacked within the waveguide (310). The antenna (320) may be a beam focusing antenna having negative permittivity and permeability based on metamaterials. The antenna (320) has increased radiation power due to the metamaterial and can be manufactured in a compact size. In addition, since the antenna (320) has negative permeability, its operating frequency can be adjusted.

[0081] The antenna (320) includes a substrate (321) and a metal pattern (325).

[0082] The substrate (321) is a metamaterial-based PCB dielectric substrate, and is a rectangular substrate having a predetermined width, depth, and thickness. The substrate (321) is provided with a width corresponding to the inner space of the waveguide (310). According to an embodiment, the material of the substrate (321) may be provided as Teflon.

[0083] The metal pattern (325) is formed in a square shape on the substrate (321) and is provided with a metal material. According to an embodiment, the metal pattern (325) is provided as a square pattern with equal horizontal and vertical lengths. The metal pattern (325) may be provided with any one of copper, gold, and silver.

[0084] These antennas (320) have negative permittivity and permeability in a specific frequency band (ISM band). In an embodiment, the antenna (320) has negative permittivity and permeability in the 2.45 GHz band.

[0085] The above-described antennas (320) are sequentially stacked within the waveguide (310), and the metal patterns (325) are arranged on the same line in the stacking direction of the antennas (320) and overlap each other. According to an embodiment, 10 to 15 antennas (320) may be stacked within the waveguide (310).

[0086]

[0087] FIGS. 7 to 9 are graphs showing the reflection coefficient, permittivity, and permeability of an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, it can be confirmed that the antenna module (240) according to an embodiment of the present invention self-resonates, with a reflection coefficient (S parameter) of -10 dB or less in the 2.45 GHz band. In addition, it can be confirmed that the permittivity (ε) in the 2.45 GHz band has a value close to -10, and the permeability (μ) in the 2.45 GHz band has a value close to -1. Consequently, it can be confirmed that the antenna module (240) according to an embodiment of the present invention self-resonates in the 2.45 GHz band, and has a structure in which both the permittivity and the permeability have negative values.

[0089]

[0090] FIG. 10 is a drawing comparing the electromagnetic wave output intensity of an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention and an antenna module according to comparative examples, and FIG. 11 is a graph comparing the reflection coefficient of an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention and an antenna module according to comparative examples.

[0091] The antenna module (B) according to the first comparative example has a structure in which a dielectric substrate is laminated within a waveguide, and the antenna module (C) according to the second comparative example has a structure in which air is filled within the waveguide.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 10, it can be confirmed that in the antenna module (A) according to an embodiment of the present invention, a strong electromagnetic wave is output in one direction in the 2.45 GHz band, but in the antenna module (B) according to the first comparative example filled with a dielectric material and in the antenna module (C) according to the second comparative example filled only with air, the electromagnetic wave is not output due to impedance mismatch.

[0093] Referring to Fig. 11, the antenna module (A) according to an embodiment of the present invention is filled with a metamaterial-based antenna, so that impedance matching occurs in the 2.45 GHz band. It can be confirmed that it has a reflection coefficient of -15 dB at 2.45 GHz and generates a TE12 mode inside the antenna. On the other hand, in the antenna modules (B, C) according to the first and second comparative examples, resonance occurs around 6.4 GHz and 12 GHz, which are higher than 2.45 GHz.

[0094] In this way, the antenna module (A) according to an embodiment of the present invention is reduced in size as metamaterial-based antennas are stacked, and electromagnetic waves can be concentrated into a narrow area in the near field.

[0095] FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are drawings showing an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention outputting electromagnetic waves to stimulate an olfactory bulb from outside the body, and FIG. 14 is a drawing showing an electromagnetic wave output from an antenna module reaching an olfactory bulb. (B) of FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the antenna module of (A), and (A) of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 is a view viewed from above the subject's head, and (B) is a view viewed from the side of the subject's head.

[0096] Referring to Figures 12 to 14, the antenna module outputs electromagnetic waves from outside the body to the subject's forehead, and it can be confirmed that the output electromagnetic waves are transmitted to the subject's brain and reach the olfactory bulb. The electromagnetic waves that reach the olfactory bulb induce an activation potential in the olfactory bulb.

[0097]

[0098] FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are drawings showing a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the device (100) may be provided in the form of glasses, and may be wearable on the user's face (20). The device (100) comprises a bridge (130) connecting a pair of rims (110, 120) into which lenses are inserted, and a pair of legs (140, 150). A stimulator is provided on the bridge and outputs electromagnetic waves to the space between the eyebrows. The antenna module may be maintained at a distance of 0.5 cm to 3 cm from the face.

[0100]

[0101] FIGS. 17 to 19 are drawings showing devices according to different embodiments of the present invention.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 17, the device (100) can be worn on the user's forehead in a band form. While the elastic band (161) is worn on the user's forehead, the support (162) supports the antenna module (200). The support (162) aligns the antenna module (200) so that electromagnetic waves are output between the eyebrows.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 18, the device (100) is a skin-attachable pad type and can be attached to the user's forehead using an adhesive (171). The support pad (172) has a convex shape and forms a predetermined space between the foreheads. The antenna module (200) is supported on the support pad (172) and outputs electromagnetic waves between the eyebrows.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 19, the device (100) includes a housing (181) having a space where a subject's head can be accommodated, and an arm (182) that can move the housing (181) up and down and horizontally. An antenna module (200) is provided on the inner surface of the housing (181). The housing (181) can rotate relative to the arm (182) about an up and down axis. When the subject's head is positioned within the housing (181), the housing (181) is adjusted so that the antenna module (200) is positioned between the subject's eyebrows. In this state, the antenna module (200) outputs electromagnetic waves between the eyebrows. The non-contact nerve stimulation device according to the present embodiment can be used in hospitals, nursing homes, etc. that target a large number of users.

[0105]

[0106] Figure 20 is a drawing showing an example of use of the non-contact nerve stimulation device of the present invention.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 20, the device (200) according to the above-described embodiments can align the stimulator (100) so that electromagnetic waves can be output to the ear or temple. In this case, the electromagnetic waves directly stimulate the hippocampus. The electromagnetic waves induce action potentials in the hippocampus, and the potential activity of the hippocampus activates the phagocytosis of microglia.

[0108]

[0109] FIG. 21 is a drawing showing an experiment for stimulating the olfactory bulb using a non-contact nerve stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 22 and 23 are graphs showing the response intensity measured in the olfactory bulb when electromagnetic waves are output at 20 Hz, 30 Hz, and 40 Hz.

[0110] First, referring to FIG. 21, the antenna module (240) was installed while the device (100) was fixed to the subject's head, and four EBG electrodes were fixed above each eyebrow of the subject to measure the activity of the olfactory bulb.

[0111] The frequency of the electromagnetic wave output from the antenna module (240) was adjusted in the range of 20 Hz to 100 Hz. As a result of measuring the activity of the olfactory bulb, the olfactory bulb vibrated at the same frequency as the electromagnetic wave, and the olfactory bulb showed high activity at 20 Hz to 40 Hz.

[0112] And as a result of outputting electromagnetic waves at frequencies of 20 Hz, 30 Hz, and 40 Hz, it can be confirmed that the olfactory bulb vibrates at the same frequency as the electromagnetic wave, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. Specifically, it can be confirmed that when a 20 Hz electromagnetic wave is output, the olfactory bulb vibrates at 20 Hz, when a 30 Hz electromagnetic wave is output, the olfactory bulb vibrates at 30 Hz, and when a 40 Hz electromagnetic wave is output, the olfactory bulb vibrates at 40 Hz. And when 20 Hz, 30 Hz, and 40 Hz electromagnetic waves are output, a maximum response intensity (Maximum Power Spectral Density) of approximately 50 dB can be confirmed.

[0113]

[0114] Figure 24 is a graph measuring the response intensity of the olfactory bulb according to the distance between the subject's glabella and the antenna module.

[0115] Referring to Figure 24, when the distance between the subject's forehead and the antenna module is 0.5 cm to 3 cm, the response intensity of the olfactory bulb is measured to be approximately 47 dB. When the distance between the subject's forehead and the antenna module is greater than 3 cm, it can be confirmed that the response intensity of the olfactory bulb decreases rapidly. In addition, when the distance between the subject's forehead and the antenna module is 5 cm to 7 cm, it can be confirmed that the response intensity decreases to approximately 40 dB or less.

[0116] In this way, when stimulating the olfactory bulb with an antenna module, it can be seen that it is effective in stimulating the olfactory bulb when the distance between the subject's forehead and the antenna module is 0.5 cm to 3 cm.

[0117]

[0118] Figure 25 is a diagram showing the response intensity of the olfactory bulb according to the amount of power applied to the antenna module.

[0119] Referring to Fig. 25, it can be confirmed that as the power applied to the antenna module increases, the response intensity of the olfactory bulb increases. When the power applied to the antenna module is 5 W to 10 W, the response intensity of the olfactory bulb is measured at 40 dB to 45 dB, when the power is 15 W, the response intensity of the olfactory bulb is measured at 45 dB to 50 dB, and when the power is 20 W, the response intensity of the olfactory bulb is measured at 50 dB to 60 dB.

[0120]

[0121] Figures 26 to 30 are graphs measuring the activity of brain nerves when the olfactory bulb is stimulated with an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Figure 26 is a graph measuring the activity of the olfactory bulb, Figure 27 is a graph measuring the activity of the piriform cortex, Figure 28 is a graph measuring the activity of the hippocampus, Figure 29 is a graph measuring the activity of the para-hippocampal gyrus, and Figure 30 is a graph measuring the activity of the anterior cingulate cortex.

[0123] In each graph, (A) is an MRI image of the brain, and the red area indicates the active area. (B) is a graph showing the frequency of brain neurons measured in the active area, and (C) is a graph measuring the response strength of brain neurons measured in the active area.

[0124] When 40Hz electromagnetic waves were projected onto the subject's forehead, activation was observed in the olfactory bulb, limbic system, hippocampus, parahippocampal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex. These brain nerves vibrate at the same frequency as the electromagnetic waves, and exhibit a higher response intensity at 40Hz than at other frequency bands.

[0125] Referring to Fig. 26, when a 40 Hz electromagnetic wave is output, the olfactory bulb vibrates at 40 Hz, shows a response intensity of -20 dB to -40 dB, and a maximum response intensity of -10 dB.

[0126] Referring to Figure 27, when a 40 Hz electromagnetic wave is output, the limbic system vibrates at 40 Hz, shows a response intensity of -40 dB to -50 dB, and a maximum response intensity of -25 dB.

[0127] Referring to Figure 28, when a 40 Hz electromagnetic wave is output, the hippocampus vibrates at 40 Hz, shows a response intensity of -40 dB to -50 dB, and a maximum response intensity of -20 dB.

[0128] Referring to Figure 29, when a 40 Hz electromagnetic wave is output, the cortex around the hippocampus vibrates at 40 Hz, shows a response intensity of -40 dB to -50 dB, and a maximum response intensity of -20 dB.

[0129] Referring to Figure 30, when a 40 Hz electromagnetic wave is output, the anterior cingulate cortex vibrates at 40 Hz, shows a response intensity of -40 dB to -50 dB, and a maximum response intensity of -20 dB.

[0130] In this way, when the olfactory bulb is stimulated with electromagnetic waves, the limbic system, hippocampus, parahippocampal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex are activated serially and with high response intensity.

[0131]

[0132] Figures 31 to 36 are graphs measuring the activity of brain nerves according to the intensity of power applied to the antenna module.

[0133] Fig. 31 is a graph measuring brain nerve activity when no power is applied to the antenna module, Fig. 32 is a graph measuring brain nerve activity when 5 W of power is applied to the antenna module, Fig. 33 is a graph measuring brain nerve activity when 10 W of power is applied to the antenna module, Fig. 34 is a graph measuring brain nerve activity when 15 W of power is applied to the antenna module, Fig. 35 is a graph measuring brain nerve activity when 20 W of power is applied to the antenna module, and Fig. 36 is a graph measuring brain nerve activity when 25 W of power is applied to the antenna module.

[0134] In each figure, (A) is a graph measuring the activity of the hippocampus, (B) is a graph measuring the activity of the anterior cingulate cortex, (C) is a graph measuring the activity of the cortex around the hippocampus, (D) is a graph measuring the activity of the olfactory bulb, and (E) is a graph measuring the activity of the limbic system. The horizontal axis of the graphs represents the frequency band of the pulsed electromagnetic wave, and the vertical axis represents the degree of neural activity measured in the brain nerves. In each graph, the horizontal axis represents frequency, and the vertical axis represents neural activity.

[0135] First, referring to Figure 31, when no electromagnetic waves are output, the cranial nerves show activity across the entire frequency band. In the case of the olfactory bulb, high activity is shown in the 15 Hz to 30 Hz band.

[0136] Referring to Figures 32 to 36, electromagnetic waves sequentially activate brain nerves. The olfactory bulb, limbic system, hippocampus, parahippocampal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex are sequentially activated by vibrating at the same frequency as the electromagnetic waves. Brain nerves show high activity at 40 Hz. When brain nerves vibrate at 40 Hz, the mutated protein 'beta-amyloid plaque' in brain nerve cells that causes dementia is broken down, preventing the onset of dementia and delaying its progression. The intensity of neural activity increases as the intensity of the power applied to the antenna module increases.

[0137] In this way, the activity of brain nerves can be controlled by controlling the frequency of electromagnetic waves, and the intensity of nerve activity can be controlled by controlling the power applied to the antenna module.

[0138]

[0139] Dementia is a disease that causes progressive atrophy of the hippocampus, resulting in memory impairment. It is caused by the accumulation of beta-amyloid aggregates within the hippocampus. Because beta-amyloid aggregate accumulation occurs over a long period of time, continuous aggregation control treatment is necessary. Therefore, aggregation control treatment must be continued for an extended period of time without causing discomfort to the patient and in daily life. The non-contact neurostimulation device according to the present invention can be worn in daily life and controls beta-amyloid aggregate aggregation using electromagnetic waves, enabling long-term continuous treatment. Furthermore, because it can control the early stage of beta-amyloid aggregate formation (generation, aggregation, accumulation, and mutation), it is highly effective in preventing dementia. Furthermore, electromagnetic wave stimulation activates the phagocytosis of microglia, which removes beta-amyloid aggregates accumulated in the hippocampus, thereby inhibiting the death of hippocampal neurons.

[0140]

[0141] While the present invention has been described in detail using preferred embodiments, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and should be interpreted in accordance with the appended claims. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0142] A non-contact nerve stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used to prevent the occurrence of dementia and delay the progression of dementia.

Claims

1. A stimulator that outputs electromagnetic waves to stimulate the first region of the brain from outside the body; and A device for aligning the stimulator to a stimulation location that is an anatomical location adjacent to the first region of the brain, A neural stimulation device in which the electromagnetic waves output from the above stimulator cause an activation potential in the first region of the brain, and the potential activity of the first region of the brain causes an activation potential in the second region of the brain to activate microglia.

2. In paragraph 1, The first region of the brain is the olfactory bulb, and the second region of the brain is the hippocampus. A nerve stimulation device that causes a chain of potential activity of the olfactory bulb and potential activity of the hippocampus.

3. In paragraph 1, A nerve stimulation device wherein the stimulation location includes at least one of the visor, glabellar region, and frontal sinus.

4. In paragraph 1, A nerve stimulation device wherein the stimulation location includes at least one of the ear and the temple.

5. In paragraph 1, The above electromagnetic wave is a nerve stimulation device that is a pulse-type RF electromagnetic wave.

6. In paragraph 1, A nerve stimulation device wherein the frequency of the electromagnetic waves is 20 Hz to 40 Hz.

7. In paragraph 1, The above stimulator is, A signal generator that generates a sine wave signal; A modulator that modulates the above sine wave signal into a pulse width modulation signal; an amplifier that amplifies the pulse width modulation signal; and A nerve stimulation device including an antenna module that focuses the amplified signal from the amplifier and outputs the electromagnetic wave.

8. In paragraph 7, The above antenna module is a neural stimulation device having a reflection coefficient of -10 dB or less in the 2.45 GHz band.

9. In paragraph 7, The above antenna module is a neural stimulation device having negative permittivity and permeability in the 2.45 Hz band.

10. In paragraph 7, The above antenna module waveguide; and A neural stimulation device comprising a plurality of antennas sequentially stacked within the waveguide and having a metal pattern formed on a metamaterial-based substrate.

11. In paragraph 9, The above substrate is rectangular, The above metal pattern is a square nerve stimulation device.

12. A stimulator that outputs electromagnetic waves to stimulate the hippocampus of the brain outside the body; and A device for aligning the above stimulator to a stimulation position is included, A neural stimulation device that activates microglia by generating an action potential in the hippocampus using electromagnetic waves output from the above stimulator.

13. In paragraph 12, The above electromagnetic wave is a nerve stimulation device that is a pulse-type RF electromagnetic wave.

14. In paragraph 12, A nerve stimulation device in which the above electromagnetic waves are output to the stimulation location in a non-contact manner.

15. In paragraph 12, A nerve stimulation device wherein the stimulation location includes at least one of the nasal cavity, glabella, frontal sinus, ear, and temple.

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