Patent ID: 8473059
Filing Date: 2013-06-25
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A method of treating dementia, where a large population of brain neurons fire in a synchronized manner, the method comprising the steps of: implanting stimulation electrodes in a brain of a patient suffering from dementia with the stimulation electrodes either directly placed in one of the basal nucleus of Meynert and perforant path or in at least one region connected to at least one of the basal nucleus of Meynert and the perforant path by nerve fibers; and thereafter treating dementia by stimulating each of a plurality of subpopulations of the large population through the implanted electrodes with a respective stimulation signal each comprised of a burst of pulses having a respective predetermined frequency capable of resetting the firing of the neurons of the respective subpopulation with the burst fed to each subpopulation time shifted to the bursts fed to the other subpopulations such that the bursts reset the neurons of each subpopulation at a different point in time to fire out of phase with the neurons of the other subpopulations, the stimulation signals stimulating at least one of the basal nucleus of Meynert and the perforant path.