Neuroscience research advances Alzheimer's treatments and memory enhancement

Researchers at the University of Coimbra are utilizing artificial intelligence to accelerate the development of potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to identify a biological mechanism to block the movement of toxic proteins that destroy neurons in the brain.

In a separate study released via medRxiv, researchers from the Leuven Brain Institute investigated the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to enhance memory and reasoning. The technique involves applying low-intensity electrical currents to the sides of the face near the ears to stimulate the trigeminal nerve.

Preliminary results from experiments involving humans and rats suggest that these intermittent 200 hertz electrical impulses can increase signaling between neurons in the hippocampus by 20%. In practical tests, participants receiving the stimulation demonstrated an improved ability to remember professions in the short term.