Technological developments often focus on mass consumerism and earning money, but in spite of the fact that this is the case some innovations are more focused on things like improving the health of people that might be suffering from some illnesses. A new study that was recently published in Nature Neuroscience revealed a lot of progress in the world of memory improvement among senior citizens with all things having been considered and taken into account.
With Alzheimer’s afflicting 8% of the US, medical research
targeting this malady is widespread because of the fact that this is the sort
of thing that could potentially end up helping people maintain their sense of
self in old age. With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it
is important to note that this research showed how targeted currents of
electricity applied for twenty minutes or so can provide marked improvement in
information retention among older adults, and that makes it a viable candidate
for Alzheimer’s treatment as well.
Much of the current treatments that are available for
Alzheimer’s tend to use a chemical approach, and this marks the first time that
researchers have attempted to modify the electrical output of the brain
instead. One of the authors of this study who works at
Boston University stated that brains are a lot like plastic and they can be altered if the right kind of stimuli is provided.
Out of the 60 participants who took part in this study, all of whom were between the ages of 65 and 88, many saw immediate memory improvements. They also saw increased benefits to their memory after a month passed, which indicates that this may be a treatment that provides long term improvement rather than just temporary relief.
Research like this is becoming increasingly vital as the global population continues to age, and we will have to wait to see if this research pans out. The first clinical trial shows a lot of promise, and this may turn into the standard treatment for Alzheimer's patients in the future if further trails give good results.
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