(L-R) Scientists Dr Lee Wei Lim and Assistant Professor Ajai Vyas discover a new treatment for dementia by growing brain cells.
SINGAPORE:A group of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) scientists have discovered a new treatment for dementia, by sending electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain to enhance the growth of new brain cells.
In a news release on Tuesday (Apr 6), NTU said the treatment is known as deep brain stimulation, which is a therapeutic procedure already used in some parts of the world to treat various neurological conditions such as tremors or Dystonia.
“Their research has shown that new brain cells, or neurons, can be formed by stimulating the front part of the brain which is involved in memory retention using minute amounts of electricity,” said the release.
The increase in brain cells will reduce anxiety and depression, and promotes improved learning, and boosts overall memory formation and retention, it added.
NEW TREATMENT PATHWAYS
The research findings are expected to provide new opportunities for the development of treatment solutions for patients suffering from memory loss due to dementia-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s and even Parkinson’s disease.
“Around 60 per cent of patients do not respond to regular anti-depressant treatments and our research opens new doors for more effective treatment options,” said Prof Ajai.
Dr Lee Wei Lim, an associate professor at Sunway University, Malaysia, who worked on the research project, added that memory loss in older people “is not only a serious and widespread problem, but signifies a key symptom of dementia”………
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Photo: NTU