Nocturnal vagus nerve stimulation enhances cognitive functions in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease
AI Summary
Nocturnal auricular transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (atVNS) using a Vguard device administered during sleep shows cognitive benefits in MCI and AD patients.
Repeated nightly atVNS over several months was associated with significant improvements in global cognitive function; ADAS-Cog detected greatest stimulation-related changes.
Nocturnal atVNS leverages sleep-related vagal activity and may delay or prevent progression from MCI to Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
J Alzheimers Dis. 2026 Jun 9:13872877261458276. doi: 10.1177/13872877261458276. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BackgroundAuricular transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (atVNS) has been proposed as a non-invasive neuromodulation approach for cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Sleep represents a physiological state characterized by enhanced vagal activity and memory consolidation, making it a potentially optimal window for stimulation.ObjectiveTo investigate the cognitive effects of nocturnal atVNS in individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD.MethodsParticipants underwent nightly atVNS using a Vguard device, specifically designed for non-invasive stimulation during sleep. Cognitive performance was evaluated using four standardized neuropsychological instruments, including the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog).ResultsRepeated nocturnal atVNS over several months was associated with significant improvements in global cognitive function. Among the administered tests, the ADAS-Cog demonstrated the greatest sensitivity in detecting stimulation-related changes.ConclusionsNocturnal atVNS may constitute a promising therapeutic strategy for enhancing cognition in patients with MCI and AD. By leveraging sleep-related vagal activity, this approach could potentially delay or prevent the progression of MCI to AD and dementia.
Biopsychosoc Sci Med. 2026 Jun 9. doi: 10.1097/PSY.0000000000001498. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTTo survive and thrive, living organisms must monitor and regulate cell-level energy supply, demand,...
Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2026 Jun 8. doi: 10.4103/aian.aian_109_26. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Wilson's disease (WD) is a systemic copper toxicity disorder, manifesting...
Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2026 Jun 3. doi: 10.4103/sjkdt.sjkdt_119_22. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease is an important health issue all over the...
JAMA Netw Open. 2026 Jun 1;9(6):e2617336. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.17336.ABSTRACTIMPORTANCE: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI)-a major threat to adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD), substantially raising hospitalization and suicidality...
JAMA Netw Open. 2026 Jun 1;9(6):e2617466. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.17466.ABSTRACTIMPORTANCE: Prostate cancer often requires frequent in-person clinical visits, imposing substantial travel, financial, and time burdens for patients....
J Appl Physiol (1985). 2026 Jun 9. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00667.2025. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTDuring spaceflight, the lack of gravity-induced hydrostatic pressure gradients in the body results...
