Title : Auricular vagal nerve stimulation in patients with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease: A randomized placebo double-blind study
Abstract:
Background: This study was conducted on patients who were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Methods: Auricular transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (atVNS) was applied using a VGuard device specifically designed to minimize mechanical stimulation induced by the presence of a mini-neurostimulator and concha electrodes. In contrast to the previous clinical study, atVNS was applied only during sleep, i.e., a period characterized by increased vagal nerve activity.
Findings: The primary outcome of this study is the significant improvement in the cognitive abilities of patients rather than merely halting or delaying the progression of the disease.
Interpretation: The underlying mechanism of atVNS efficacy remains unknown and warrants further investigation. In a selective group of patients, the observed improvement in cognitive function was reversible after a few months of follow-up.
Funding: The results of the present study demonstrate that the VGuard method may represent an effective therapeutic approach for delaying or even preventing the progression of MCI and the initial stages of Alzheimer's disease into fully manifested dementia disorders.
