Systems and methods to enhance memory using non-invasive brain stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease lack specificity and spatial resolution, requiring patient collaboration and affecting multiple brain regions, and existing biomarkers are insufficient for predicting disease severity and progression.
Innovation Solution
A system using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroencephalography (EEG) to induce and record brain responses at high spatial (1 mm) and temporal (1 ms) resolution, analyzing TMS evoked potentials to assess synaptic dysfunction in specific brain regions and networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cognitive or behavioral stimuli are presented to elicit transitory changes in brain activity, then cognitive performance can be quantified, but the methods require active collaboration from the subject which limits applicability in patients with cognitive impairment
Solution Approach 1:
The brain assessment system performs the assessment autonomously by applying electrical stimulation and recording responses without requiring active patient collaboration. The system self-executes the stimulation protocol and automatically analyzes the evoked potentials to assess synaptic dysfunction, eliminating the need for patients to actively participate in cognitive tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces cognitive/behavioral stimuli with direct electrical stimulation of the brain. Instead of using psychological tasks that require cognitive processing, the system uses physiological stimulation (electrical current) to directly elicit neural responses, substituting the mechanical/cognitive assessment approach with a direct physiological intervention.
2Measurement precision
If cognitive or behavioral stimuli are used to assess brain activity, then multiple brain regions are activated, but this limits the specificity of conclusions and prevents assessment at high spatial resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies electrical stimulation to specific, localized brain regions rather than using broad cognitive stimuli that activate multiple regions. By targeting particular cortical areas with focused electrical current, the system achieves high spatial resolution assessment of synaptic dysfunction in specific regions of interest.
Solution Approach 2:
The assessment system divides the brain into specific regions of interest and applies stimulation locally to each region separately. This segmentation allows the system to assess different brain regions independently at high spatial resolution, rather than treating the brain as a unified system activated by global cognitive tasks.
3Measurement precision
If conventional biomarkers are used to assess synaptic dysfunction, then diagnosis can be made, but the biomarkers lack sufficient accuracy to evaluate disease severity and predict progression
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the evoked potential responses as feedback to assess synaptic dysfunction. By measuring the brain's actual response to electrical stimulation and analyzing the characteristics of these responses, the system obtains direct feedback about synaptic health, enabling accurate assessment of disease severity and progression.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters from conventional biomarkers to electrical evoked potentials recorded at high temporal and spatial resolution. By using multiple parameters including amplitude, latency, and spectral characteristics of the evoked potentials, the system achieves superior accuracy in detecting and measuring synaptic dysfunction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides diagnostic and prognostic insights into synaptic dysfunction with high spatial and temporal resolution, enabling personalized treatment approaches for Alzheimer's disease.
Implementation Method 1
applying transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to at least one brain region of the patient
Implementation Method 2
recording, with a plurality of electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes, a plurality of TMS evoked potentials
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are apparatuses, systems and methods for non-invasively assessing synaptic dysfunction in a patient with Alzheimer's Disease. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is applied to at least one brain region of the patient. A plurality of TMS evoked potentials generated in response to the TMS applied to the at least one brain region of the patient is recorded with a plurality of electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes. At least one characteristic of the plurality of TMS evoked potentials is analyzed to assess synaptic dysfunction in the patient. An indication of the synaptic dysfunction assessment of the patient is output.