Noninvasive visual stimulation therapy reduces Alzheimer’s indicator plaques in mouse trials
Orange County, CA - December 14th 2016 - Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 5 million people in the United States, characterized by beta amyloid plaques researchers believe this to be the causes of the disease. MIT researchers have recently completed trials where they found a noninvasive light treatment that can succor mice suffering from Alzheimer’s combat the disease. The light therapy works by coruscating at a specified frequency inducing gamma oscillations.
Previous studies performed by the MIT research team were comprised of mice with genetic alterations to develop Alzheimer’s, however were tested before any plaque or behavioral problems could accumulate.
The therapy implements optogenetics, enabling control of the genetically modified neurons’ activity by directing light onto the structures. Researchers in completing the study wondered if there was a less invasive alternative.
The team went on to create a programmable strip of LEDs to scintillate at certain frequencies. Using the strip, researchers found that an hour of light flickering at 40 hertz produced enhanced gamma oscillations. These types of brain waves were found to reduce beta amyloid plaque found in the visual cortex of the mice by half, as well as excite cells that eradicate the inimical plaques. Within 24 hours oscillation levels returned to normal, leading researchers to later introduce a 7 day treatment in which the benefits of this adaptation are being mapped.
The study still needs to participate in human testing before knowing the extent of the therapy’s effects, but the research team has hope.
“It’s a big ‘if,’ because so many things have been shown to work in mice, only to fail in humans,” said Li-Huei Tsai, senior author of the study and director of MIT’s Picower Institute for Learning and Memory. “But if humans behave similarly to mice in response to this treatment, I would say the potential is just enormous, because it’s so noninvasive, and it’s so accessible.”The research team is now studying the induction process of the gamma oscillations’ exertions and their effects, for they are currently unknown. When sequencing messenger RNA from the brain of treated mice, it was observed that hundreds of genes were either under or over represented. Unsure of the reasoning behind this skewed representation, the team is looking to divulge answers.
“Studies like this are valuable in revealing new processes implicated in Alzheimer's disease and opening new avenues for further research,” said Dr. David Reynolds of Alzheimer's Research UK.