The January 16 issue of the journal Alzheimer's and Dementia carried a likely interesting article about research on a device that improves cognition by simultaneously applying magnetic and cognitive stimuli to the brain.
Why do I say "likely?" Because the article is behind the paywall, and I could only read the abstract. But the abstract indicated positive results from the research, and it identified the company behind the device and its protocol.
The device is called the neuroADTM Therapy System by Neuronix. The protocol for treatment is to first use MRI scans to identify areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer's disease and then stimulate those areas with focused magnetic fields. While these areas are being stimulated, the patient participates in cognitive training exercises. Neuronix claims that the magnetic fields "strengthen the signal transmission and chemical bonds between the neurons in the brain." Not sure I'd have phrased it that way, assuming I understand what they're trying to say.
No one claims that this treatment stops or slows the progress of Alzheimer's disease. However, like donepezil (Aricept) and the other acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, it temporarily improves cognition in people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The research seems to indicate that improvement from this treatment is superior to that from the medications. For me, that's good, because I had unpleasant side effects when I tried to take donepezil. And I wasn't alone.
In my book, "Beating the Dementia Monster," I describe what has occurred since 2015 when I first knew I had memory problems. (You can find it on Amazon.com.) I have experienced remarkable improvement, and I’m certain that I can share valuable information with many others. In this second edition I continue my story to 2020 and provide greater understanding of how Alzheimer's advances and why what I did worked.
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