INTRODUCTION

Deep brain stimulation of the fornix (fx-DBS) is being investigated for treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The therapy aims at alleviating memory and cognitive circuit dysfunction. In preclinical models of AD, electrical stimulation of the memory circuit has demonstrated a possible disease-modifying potential. Here we examined changes resulting from fx-DBS in hippocampal atrophy and amyloid accumulation in AD patients with fx-DBS.

METHODS

Repeated magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography (PET) images acquired over the course of 12 months were used to assess changes in hippocampal volume in 36 ADvance trial patients compared to 40 matched untreated AD patients from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, and in 10 separate patients with repeated flutemetamol PET and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers.

RESULTS

We observed a reduction of hippocampal atrophy and amyloid beta (Aβ) PET binding, and an increase in the CSF Aβ/total-tau ratio in DBS patients.

DISCUSSION

These findings highlight the potential of fornix deep brain stimulation to modify AD biomarkers and possibly progression in some patients.

HIGHLIGHTS

Fornix deep brain stimulation (fx-DBS) is being investigated to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD). Results show that fx-DBS modifies imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers. It reduces hippocampal atrophy and increases the amyloid beta/total-tau CSF ratio. These findings highlight the potential of fx-DBS to modify AD.