Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Alzheimer's Disease

(WALLe Trial)

This trial tests a new method called RAVANS (transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation), which uses mild electrical stimulation on the ear, to determine if it can improve thinking skills in people with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers aim to understand how this treatment affects cognition and whether individual factors influence its effectiveness. Participants will receive either the actual RAVANS treatment or a sham (placebo) treatment in a crossover design. Suitable candidates for this trial include those who speak English, have managed health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, and maintain stable medication routines. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance Alzheimer's treatment options.

The trial requires that your medications be stable for at least 30 days before participating, so you may need to continue your current medications without changes.

Research has shown that transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS), such as RAVANS, is generally well-tolerated. Studies indicate that side effects are usually mild and temporary, including slight tingling or minor skin redness at the application site. The reviewed studies provide no strong evidence of serious safety concerns. This suggests that the treatment is generally safe, with minor side effects being the most commonly reported issues.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about vagus nerve stimulation for Alzheimer's disease because it offers a novel approach that targets the brain's communication pathways. Unlike standard treatments like cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, which work to manage symptoms, this technique uses non-painful electrical stimulation of the ear to potentially alter brain function and slow disease progression. The treatment is non-invasive and could be a game-changer by providing a new way to influence brain health without the side effects associated with many medications.

Research has shown that transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) might help with memory problems related to Alzheimer's disease. This non-invasive method uses gentle electrical pulses and does not require surgery. In this trial, participants will receive either active tVNS or sham tVNS in a cross-over design. One study found that tVNS improved memory and slowed memory loss. Another study suggested that tVNS might enhance thinking skills in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can lead to Alzheimer's. These findings indicate that tVNS could be a promising new way to help older adults with memory challenges.¹⁶⁷⁸⁹