Disease-Modifying Effects of Non-Invasive Electroceuticals on β-Amyloid Plaques and Tau Tangles for Alzheimer's Disease

Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Dec 30;24(1):679. doi: 10.3390/ijms24010679.

Abstract

Electroceuticals refer to various forms of electronic neurostimulators used for therapy. Interdisciplinary advances in medical engineering and science have led to the development of the electroceutical approach, which involves therapeutic agents that specifically target neural circuits, to realize precision therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD). To date, extensive studies have attempted to elucidate the disease-modifying effects of electroceuticals on areas in the brain of a patient with AD by the use of various physical stimuli, including electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic waves as well as ultrasound. Herein, we review non-invasive stimulatory systems and their effects on β-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which are pathological molecular markers of AD. Therefore, this review will aid in better understanding the recent technological developments, applicable methods, and therapeutic effects of electronic stimulatory systems, including transcranial direct current stimulation, 40-Hz gamma oscillations, transcranial magnetic stimulation, electromagnetic field stimulation, infrared light stimulation and ionizing radiation therapy, and focused ultrasound for AD.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; electrical stimulation; electroceutical therapy; electroceuticals; tau tangle; β-amyloid plaque.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease* / pathology
  • Alzheimer Disease* / therapy
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Neurofibrillary Tangles / pathology
  • Plaque, Amyloid / pathology
  • Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation*
  • tau Proteins

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • tau Proteins