Systems and methods to enhance memory using non-invasive brain stimulation
Inventors
Santarnecchi, Emiliano • Koch, Giacomo
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12440695-B2
Publication Date
2025-10-14
Expiration Date
Abstract
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.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method of enhancing memory in a subject by applying, to a first brain region in a brain of the subject, during a first time period, a combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). The first brain region represents a functional brain network associated with memory, and the tACS uses a target frequency in a gamma frequency range.
In the combined stimulation, tACS is applied continuously during the first time period as a sinusoidal wave. In parallel, TMS is applied as a set of stimulation pulse trains separated by periods of non-stimulation, and the combined stimulation is applied to the first brain region during the first time period to enhance memory in the subject.
The invention also provides a memory enhancement system for performing the method. The system includes a TMS coil, at least one tACS electrode configured to be arranged on a scalp of a subject, and a controller configured to activate the TMS coil and the at least one tACS electrode according to a stimulation protocol.
Claims Coverage
The document includes two independent claims, covering both a memory-enhancing method and a corresponding memory enhancement system. The independent claims share the core inventive combination of TMS and gamma-range tACS delivered as a continuous sinusoidal wave, with TMS delivered as pulse trains separated by periods of non-stimulation to a memory-associated functional brain network during a first time period.
Gamma-range memory network stimulation with continuous sinusoidal tACS and non-stimulation-separated TMS pulse trains
Applying to a first brain region in a brain of a subject, during a first time period, a combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), where the first brain region represents a functional brain network associated with memory; the tACS is applied using a target frequency in a gamma frequency range; and applying the combination comprises continuously applying tACS during the first time period as a sinusoidal wave and applying TMS as a set of stimulation pulse trains separated by periods of non-stimulation.
Controller-driven system with TMS coil and tACS electrode
A memory enhancement system comprising a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) coil, at least one transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) electrode configured to be arranged on a scalp of a subject, and a controller configured to activate the TMS coil and the at least one tACS electrode according to a stimulation protocol to apply stimulation to a first brain region in a brain of the subject, during a first time period, where the first brain region represents a functional brain network associated with memory.
Across the independent claims, coverage is centered on stimulating a functional brain network associated with memory using a combined TMS and tACS protocol in which tACS is continuous as a sinusoidal wave at a target gamma-range frequency and TMS is delivered as stimulation pulse trains separated by periods of non-stimulation.
Stated Advantages
Enhancing memory in a subject.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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