AI Article Synopsis
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is being used as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD) by targeting the fornix, showing promise but requiring careful evaluation due to its complex effects on the brain.
- A patient who had DBS for AD donated her brain after death, revealing multiple neurodegenerative issues, including Alzheimer's and other proteinopathies.
- The findings highlight the need for further research into DBS's effectiveness and potential risks for cognitive decline in AD, considering the presence of overlapping brain disorders.
Article Abstract
As an established treatment for movement disorders, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been adapted for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by modulating fornix activity. Although it is generally regarded as a safe intervention in patients over 65 years of age, the complex neurophysiology and interconnection within circuits connected to the fornix warrants a careful ongoing evaluation of the true benefit and risk potential of DBS on slowing cognitive decline in AD patients. Here we report on a patient who died long after being implanted with a DBS device who donated her brain for neuropathologic study. The autopsy confirmed multiple proteinopathies including AD-related change, diffuse neocortical Lewy body disease, TDP-43 proteinopathy, and a nonspecific tauopathy. We discuss the possible mechanisms of these overlapping neurodegenerative disorders and caution that future studies of DBS for AD will need to take these findings into consideration.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/JAD-201415 | DOI Listing |
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