University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Currents of memory: recent progress, translational challenges, and ethical considerations in fornix deep brain stimulation trials for Alzheimer’s disease

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 03:38 authored by Viana, JNM, James VickersJames Vickers, Cook, MJ, Frederic GilbertFrederic Gilbert
The serendipitous discovery of triggered autobiographical memories and eventual memory improvement in an obese patient who received fornix deep brain stimulation in 2008 paved the way for several phase I and phase II clinical trials focused on the safety and efficacy of this potential intervention for people with Alzheimer's disease. In this article, we summarize clinical trials and case reports on fornix deep brain stimulation for Alzheimer's disease and review experiments on animal models evaluating the physiological or behavioral effects of this intervention. Based on information from these reports and studies, we identify potential translational challenges of this approach and determine practical and ethical considerations for clinical trials, focusing on issues regarding selection criteria, trial design, and outcome evaluation. Based on initial results suggesting greater benefit for those with milder disease stage, we find it essential that participant expectations are carefully managed to avoid treatment disenchantment and/or frustration from participants and caregivers. Finally, we urge for collaboration between centers to establish proper clinical standards and to promote better trial results comparison.

History

Publication title

Neurobiology of Aging

Volume

56

Pagination

202-210

ISSN

0197-4580

Department/School

School of Humanities

Publisher

Elsevier Inc

Place of publication

USA

Rights statement

Copyright 2017 Elsevier Inc.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Clinical health not elsewhere classified

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC