While there is currently no cure for dementia, its symptoms can be treated to improve the quality of life for those living with this condition. One of the most promising treatments is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which is a safe and painless procedure that involves passing a mild current of electricity through an individual’s brain while they are awake.
Dr. Tyler Roncero, Scientific Associate at Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute (RRI), is an expert in the use of tDCS for a number of disorders impacting the brain. “We’ve already seen a lot of individuals experience positive results from tDCS in our lab. Participants show an improved ability to name objects, and families report that they are more engaged at home,” says Dr. Roncero.
With his current research program, he aims to optimize the use of tDCS for people living with dementia and to help predict which individuals can benefit from this intervention.
“If we can optimize the use of tDCS, even more individuals could benefit from it as tDCS devices are convenient to use at home,” he explains.
To this end, Dr. Roncero and his team are testing the impact of different brain stimulation intensities. In other words, they are comparing the effects of lower versus higher levels of electricity being used to stimulate the brain.
Because certain individuals seem to benefit more from tDCS than others, they are also using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine the factors that may lead to this difference. For example, we all vary in the thickness of our skulls and the size of our heads. As such, it could be that skull thickness and head size may impact the effects of tDCS. This research will help Dr. Roncero and his team predict who may benefit the most from this treatment and who may require a stronger current.
Ultimately, the results of this research could improve the quality of life for individuals living with dementia and their loved ones. This work is funded by the BrightFocus Foundation.