| abstract |
The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods for treating dementia or Alzheimer's disease in a subject in need thereof. In one example, combined auditory and visual stimuli having a frequency of about 20 Hz to about 60 Hz, and more specifically about 40 Hz, are non-invasively administered to the subject to induce synchronized gamma oscillations in at least one brain region of the subject. In particular, according to various treatment and exposure protocols, combined auditory and visual stimulation (as opposed to auditory or visual stimulation alone) promotes a response of microglia to the internal prefrontal cortex (mPFC). More generally, combined auditory and visual stimulation induces an extended microglia cluster response in the auditory cortex, visual cortex, and internal prefrontal cortex. |