Title : Cognitive enhancement effect of auricular vagal nerve stimulation in patients with mild cognitive impairment and alzheimer’s disease
Abstract:
Background: The modulatory role of the vagal nerve on the central nervous system (CNS) has been discussed for decades. Currently, vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is recognized as a low-risk intervention and a clinically viable procedure for patients suffering from a broad spectrum of central nervous system disturbances. The present study was conducted on patients who were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
ethods: Auricular transcutaneous (atVNS) was applied using a VGuard device, specifically designed to provide non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation during sleep, i.e., a period characterized by increased vagal nerve activity and memory consolidation process.
Results: The primary outcome of this study is the significant improvement in the cognitive abilities of patients after a few weeks of repetitive nocturnal stimulation. The observed improvement in cognitive function was reversible after a few months without stimulation (follow-up).
Conclusion: The results obtained during the study confirmed the safety and effectiveness of atVNS in the treatment of mild cognitive impairments due to Alzheimer's disease. The effect is transient after a few months without stimulation.
