Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading neurological cause of dementia of
advanced predominance worldwide. The pathogenic mechanisms may concern
accumulations of beta amyloid and tau protein, inflammatory pathways, altered
oxidative metabolism and responses to oxidative stress. The currently available
therapeutic options for AD have limited efficacy. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may
represent a chance in order to ameliorate cognitive performances modifying cortical
and hippocampal circuits. Fornix and Nucleus basalis of Meynert are the most
promising targets in terms of delaying and reversing the cognitive impairment; other
targets like entorhinal cortex/hippocampus, pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus,
anterior thalamic nucleus are under investigation with some success. The mechanism of
action and stimulation parameters remain unclear.
Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, Brain neuromodulation, Deep Brain
Stimulation, Fornix, Hippocampus, Nucleus basalis of Meynert.
