A Scoping Review of Neuromodulation Techniques in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Useful Tool for Clinical Practice?

<i>Background and Objectives:</i> Neurodegenerative diseases that typically affect the elderly such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and frontotemporal dementia are typically characterised by significant cognitive impairment that worsens significantly over time. To date, viabl...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Fabio Marson, Stefano Lasaponara, Marco Cavallo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-02-01
Series:Medicina
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1010-660X/57/3/215
Description
Summary:<i>Background and Objectives:</i> Neurodegenerative diseases that typically affect the elderly such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and frontotemporal dementia are typically characterised by significant cognitive impairment that worsens significantly over time. To date, viable pharmacological options for the cognitive symptoms in these clinical conditions are lacking. In recent years, various studies have employed neuromodulation techniques to try and contrast patients’ decay. <i>Materials and Methods</i>: We conducted an in-depth literature review of the state-of-the-art of the contribution of these techniques across these neurodegenerative diseases. <i>Results</i>: The present review reports that neuromodulation techniques targeting cognitive impairment do not allow to draw yet any definitive conclusion about their clinical efficacy although preliminary evidence is very encouraging. <i>Conclusions</i>: Further and more robust studies should evaluate the potentialities and limitations of the application of these promising therapeutic tools to neurodegenerative diseases.
ISSN:1010-660X