Repeated electrical stimulation of brain networks linked to memory function has shown early promise in improving cognitive abilities in Alzheimer’s disease patients, according to a preliminary trial led by researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Published in The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, the study suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) could offer a potential new treatment for neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia. Unlike traditional Alzheimer’s medications that focus on reducing brain plaques and protein tangles, tDCS aims to restore disrupted neural pathways, offering a different approach to cognitive enhancement.
The trial, which included 25 Alzheimer’s patients from cognition specialty clinics in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, tested whether tDCS could improve verbal learning and memory consolidation. The technique involves sending a weak electrical current through electrodes placed on the scalp to modulate the activity of targeted brain regions. Specifically, researchers focused on stimulating the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, a region in the frontal lobe known for its role in memory processing.
Participants were divided into groups that received either real neurostimulation or a sham treatment with no actual electrical current. The treatment was administered for 20 minutes per session over a two-week period, totaling 10 sessions. Before starting the trial and immediately after the final session, participants underwent cognitive assessments to measure their memory, verbal learning, and information processing skills.
The results were notable, as approximately one-third of those in the neurostimulation groups exhibited significant improvements in verbal learning. In contrast, none of the participants in the control group displayed meaningful gains. Specifically, patients who received a lower current dose experienced effects that lasted up to eight weeks, suggesting the treatment may offer sustained cognitive benefits. Additionally, 25% of patients receiving lower-current stimulation and 33% of those receiving higher-current stimulation demonstrated improvements in verbal fluency—the ability to quickly name objects or actions. Again, the control group showed no similar improvements.
Dr. Christian LoBue, the study’s lead author and an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Neurological Surgery at UT Southwestern, emphasized the importance of these findings. He noted that the observed success rates are comparable to some of the early neuromodulation trials that eventually led to FDA-approved treatments for depression. This suggests that tDCS could follow a similar path toward clinical application for Alzheimer’s patients.
However, the response to tDCS varied among participants, and researchers believe differences in individual brain structure may play a role. Normal variations in cranial anatomy and the pattern of brain atrophy in Alzheimer’s patients could influence how well neurostimulation works for different individuals. To address this, future trials may incorporate brain imaging techniques to personalize treatment by customizing electrode placement based on each patient’s unique anatomy.
While this trial did not demonstrate improvements in the formation of long-term memories, the research team remains optimistic about targeting the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex for treating Alzheimer’s-related cognitive decline. Dr. LoBue underscored that this study represents an early but crucial step in understanding how neurostimulation might be used to manage symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Given the preliminary nature of the results, further research is essential to refine the approach, determine optimal stimulation parameters, and evaluate long-term effects. However, the findings suggest that tDCS may be a valuable tool in the evolving landscape of Alzheimer’s treatments. If future studies confirm these benefits, neurostimulation could provide a non-invasive, drug-free alternative to support cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients, potentially improving their quality of life.
More information: Christian LoBue et al, High definition transcranial direct current stimulation as an intervention for cognitive deficits in Alzheimer’s dementia: A randomized controlled trial, The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.tjpad.2024.100023