Discussions about defeating dementia often focus on finding a “magic pill.” However, other breakthroughs in brain health are steadily progressing.​

The Bresver Neuromodulation & Therapeutics Program explores innovative therapies applied over the scalp. This initiative is a key part of Baycrest’s predictive neuroscience for precision aging approach.​

“Non-invasive neuromodulation is one of the most promising interventions for preventing neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease,” says Dr. Linda Mah, Senior Clinician Scientist at Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute.

One modality being explored is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which uses an electromagnetic coil to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. TMS has proven effective for treating major depressive disorder, a known risk factor for dementia.​

“TMS studies in high-risk populations, including individuals with mild cognitive impairment—a precursor to Alzheimer’s—show short-term effectiveness,” notes Dr. Mah. “More research is needed to determine whether TMS provides long-term cognitive benefits and can delay or prevent dementia.”​

Dr. Mah and her colleague, Dr. Jed Meltzer, Canada Research Chair in Interventional Cognitive Neuroscience, are conducting clinical trials using a specialized coil to stimulate the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). This region is critical for executive function, emotion regulation, and cognitive aging.

“Studies of ‘superagers’—older adults who perform as well as younger individuals on cognitive tests—show a larger ACC and stronger neural connections,” explains Dr. Mah. “This suggests the ACC is vital for successful cognitive aging.”​

Dr. Meltzer’s research focuses on stimulating the ACC in older adults with depression or subjective cognitive decline and a family history of Alzheimer’s.​

“Many older adults with a family history of Alzheimer’s worry about their own risk,” says Dr. Meltzer. “By targeting the ACC with neuromodulation, we aim to increase brain resilience and potentially delay or prevent cognitive decline.”

Another promising therapy is photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy. Recent research confirms that near-infrared light can penetrate the skull and potentially enhance brain function.​

“PBM is already used for reducing inflammation and accelerating healing,” states Dr. Jean Chen, Canada Research Chair in Neuroimaging of Aging. “However, its effectiveness in treating Alzheimer’s is inconsistent. Our research aims to refine PBM by studying how factors like light energy, pulsation rate, and skin tone affect outcomes.”​

By mapping PBM’s effects on cellular function and blood circulation, Dr. Chen hopes to tailor treatments for better results. Eventually, doctors could prescribe light therapy for early dementia, allowing patients to use PBM devices at home.

Neurologists Dr. Howard Chertkow and are leading studies on transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which delivers a low-intensity current through the skull. Their research has gained support from the U.S. National Institute of Health.​

Their Phase 2 clinical trial, in collaboration with U.S. labs, investigates neuromodulation’s potential for treating primary progressive aphasia, a condition affecting speech and language. Another study explores improving mobility for progressive supranuclear palsy patients.​

“tDCS is already approved for conditions like depression and stroke,” mentions Dr. Roncero. “If proven effective for dementia, patients could purchase their own device for at-home therapy.”

The Bresver Neuromodulation & Therapeutics Program, coordinated by Dr. Roncero, unites multiple research labs to share findings and accelerate progress in neuromodulation therapies. With ongoing breakthroughs in brain health, Baycrest is at the forefront of developing new ways to combat dementia and enhance cognitive resilience.​

These collective efforts represent significant dementia breakthroughs, offering hope for improved prevention and treatment strategies.