06 Feb 2008
Scientists could be a step closer to understanding more about improving the memory responses of Alzheimer's disease sufferers, thanks to new research into electrical stimulation.
Canadian doctors discovered accidentally that electrical stimulation helped a morbidly obese patient being treated through deep brain stimulation (DBS) to experience vivid memories.
Experts had been treating the 50-year-old patient, who had type 2 diabetes and sleeping disorders, with DBS after he refused gastric surgery.
After receiving DBS, the man was able to experience memories of 30 years previous in full colour and as the intensity of the stimulation he received increased the scene became more vivid.
"This is a single case that was totally unexpected," lead researcher Professor Andres Lozano, of the Toronto Western Hospital, said.
"We knew immediately this was important. We are sufficiently intrigued to see if this could help people with memory disorders."
Experts now believe that the technique could be used to help people with Alzheimer's to retain their identities for longer by tackling forgetfulness and helping to curb memory loss.
A pilot study is now being carried out on six patients to determine the effects of DBS on people with early Alzheimer's disease.
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Printed on 04/12/2008 8:54 PM
