Pilot Study Investigating Deep Brain Stimulation – A New Approach for Treating Mild Alzheimer’s Disease

Full study title: A Pilot Clinical Trial Investigating Deep Brain Stimulation of the Pedunculopontine Nucleus for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

What is the study about?

This study explores Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) as a potential treatment for mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD). DBS is a well-established and generally safe procedure used for other neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.  It involves surgically placing a small wire in the brain that delivers mild electrical stimulation to help improve brain activity. In this study, the stimulation is focused on a part of the brain called the Pedunculopontine Nucleus (PPN), which helps regulate cognitive and sleep-related brain rhythms. The goal of this study is to see if targeting this part of the brain with DBS can help people living with mild Alzheimer’s disease improve their memory, thinking skills, and sleep quality.

Eligibility – Who can participate?

• Age: 60 years or older.
• Diagnosis: Diagnosed with mild Alzheimer’s Disease.
• Other Criteria:
  • Fluent in English;
  • Has a personal caregiver available to participate in the study.

Time requirement

DBS Implantation

This procedure involves a 2–3-hour surgery under general anesthesia. A small wire will be implanted in the brain, and the DBS device (similar to a pacemaker) will be implanted under the skin by making a small incision. Participants will stay overnight at the hospital for monitoring and be discharged the following morning.

Study Follow-up

Over a 12-month period, participants will attend follow-up visits every 3 months, which include brain studies (EEG and MEG), cognitive assessments, and caregiver questionnaires.

At the end of the study, participants have the option to remove the device or continue the intervention under the care of the study doctors.

TDRA study investigator

Dr. David Tang-Wai

TDRA Site:

University Health Network (UHN)-Toronto Western Hospital,

Address: 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto ON M5T 2S8

Age Group:

60+

Target Population:

Alzheimer’s disease