Estimating the effects of right median nerve stimulation on memory in Alzheimer's disease: a randomized controlled pilot study.
The goal of the present study was to examine possible effects of right median nerve stimulation (RMNS) on memory in patients in a relatively early stage of probable Alzheimer's disease (AD). Seventeen AD patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 8) and a control group (n = 9) and treated with RMNS and sham RMNS, respectively, for 30 min a day, 5 days a week, for 6 weeks. Neuropsychological tests were used to assess memory processes. The results show that the various aspects of memory did not respond positively to RMNS. A study with a much longer treatment period is suggested before firm conclusions about the ineffectiveness of RMNS on memory in AD can be drawn.
Scherder
Erik J A
EJ
Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. EJA.Scherder@psy.vu.nl
Vuijk
Pieter-Jelle
PJ
Swaab
Dick F
DF
van Someren
Eus J W
EJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D006801:Humans; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000502:physiology*; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010865:Pilot Projects; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation