Alzheimer’s treatments advance with gene therapy and at‑home brain‑stim device

Voyager Therapeutics presented preclinical data showing that a single intravenous dose of its investigational gene therapy, VY1706, lowered tau protein levels by up to 75% in non‑human primates, with the effect persisting for at least six months. The approach uses a native brain transport system to cross the blood‑brain barrier, and the company plans to begin human trials later this year.

Ochsner Health in Louisiana is partnering with Cognito Therapeutics to evaluate the Spectris headset, an at‑home device that delivers flashing light and sound stimulation at specific frequencies. According to Ochsner regional medical director Dr. Richard Zweifler, the therapy “looks to be very beneficial to the brain in terms of protecting it from functional decline.” The headset is still in clinical trials, with FDA approval anticipated by next June, after which it could be offered to Ochsner patients.

Both developments aim to provide less invasive options for slowing Alzheimer’s disease progression, though they remain experimental pending regulatory clearance.