Improving Visual Working Memory with Cholinergic Deep Brain Stimulation

Abstract

Acetylcholine is a critical modulatory neurotransmitter for cognitive function. Cholinergic drugs improve cognitive performance and enhance neuronal activity in the sensory and association cortices. An alternative means of improving cognitive function is through the use of deep brain stimulation. Prior animal studies have demonstrated that stimulation of the nucleus basalis of Meynert through DBS improves cognitive performance on a visual working memory task to the same degree as cholinesterase inhibitors. Additionally, unlike current pharmacological treatments for neurocognitive disorders, DBS does not lose efficacy over time and adverse effects are rare. These findings suggest that DBS may be a promising alternative for treating cognitive impairments in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, further research and human trials should be considered to assess the potential of DBS as a therapeutic treatment for these disorders.

The grand challenge at the frontiers of neurotechnology and its emerging clinical applications

“…This will have huge therapeutic benefits for people with a range of neurological conditions, for example, stroke, chronic pain, paralysis, or psychological disorders, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. With today's neurotechnology, we are already able to use brain stimulation to help restore damaged memories in the brain ( 24 , 25 ). While we need to be mindful of the OECD's recommendation to avoid “neuro-hype” and to be realistic about what is possible, within a decade, it is likely that commercial implants for memory stimulation will be available, and within 20 years, it is likely that neurotechnology will make it possible to manipulate memories, and even delete negative or traumatic ones.…”