A BrightFocus Funded Non Invasive Treatment Slows Alzheimer’s Progression in Yearlong Study

Reviewed by: Sharyn Rossi, PhD, BrightFocus Foundation

A new treatment for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease using personalized, non-invasive brain stimulation has shown significant promise in slowing cognitive decline, preserving daily function, and improving behavioral symptoms. This is according to findings from a Phase 2 clinical trial shared by Sinaptica Therapeutics, the company behind this innovative therapy. Its scientific co-founder Giacomo Koch, MD, PhD, received funding from BrightFocus Foundation's Alzheimer's Disease Research program to enable human studies.

The study found that people receiving the treatment experienced slower disease progression compared to those who received a placebo. After one year, treated participants were still able to do most of their daily activities with little decline, and their memory loss slowed significantly. Many also showed fewer behavioral problems like apathy and agitation, which can be difficult for caregivers to manage. Importantly, the treatment was safe, with no serious side effects.

Dr. Giacomo Koch, Sinaptica scientific co-founder, neurologist, professor of physiology, University of Ferrara, and director, Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation

"BrightFocus Foundation is proud to support this important Phase 2, 1-year clinical study," said Diane Bovenkamp, PhD, Vice President of Scientific Affairs at BrightFocus Foundation, in a statement. "We pride ourselves on supporting bold, innovative approaches, and are thrilled to see such a successful outcome from a noninvasive therapy, providing a new avenue of hope for patients with this new class of electromagnetic therapeutics."

The therapy works by using targeted brain stimulation called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, or rTMS, combined with EEG brain scans, to focus on a part of the brain involved in memory. Participants had short, painless sessions of the treatment over the course of the year. The results showed that nearly 37% of treated participants experienced no progression of Alzheimer's disease, compared to only 17% in the placebo group.

Sinaptica plans to begin a larger Phase 3 study in 2025 to confirm these results. If successful, this treatment could offer new hope to people living with Alzheimer's and their loved ones.

"We're excited that our non-invasive precision neuromodulation therapy continues to demonstrate promise in slowing Alzheimer's, after 52 weeks of treatment using rTMS-EEG in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's patients," said Dr. Koch.

"These latest results were made possible thanks to the support of BrightFocus Foundation's Alzheimer's Disease Research program. These new data extend on our prior positive six-month Phase 2 study supporting the potential of this therapeutic strategy to slow the impairment of cognitive functions, preserve activities of daily living, and reduce behavioral disturbances in Alzheimer's patients, with no significant side effects. Overall, the findings confirm the potential of personalized rTMS-EEG approach on multiple clinical aspects of Alzheimer's disease ."

View Alzheimer's disease resources and learn more about the innovative research funded by BrightFocus Foundation's Alzheimer's Disease Research program.

About BrightFocus Foundation

BrightFocus Foundation is a premier global nonprofit funder of research to defeat Alzheimer's, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Through its flagship research programs - Alzheimer's Disease Research, Macular Degeneration Research, and National Glaucoma Research- the Foundation has awarded nearly $300 million in groundbreaking research funding over the past 51 years and shares the latest research findings, expert information, and resources to empower the millions impacted by these devastating diseases. Learn more at brightfocus.org.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is a public service of BrightFocus Foundation and is not intended to constitute medical advice. Please consult your physician for personalized medical, dietary, and/or exercise advice. Any medications or supplements should only be taken under medical supervision. BrightFocus Foundation does not endorse any medical products or therapies.

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