Project 453945

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) utilizes a surgically implanted medical device, similar to a cardiac pacemaker, to send electrical signals to specific brain areas. These electric pulses alter local brain activity and modulate brain wide circuits that have become dysfunctional thereby easing cognitive deficits. DBS targeting the fornix (DBS-f) - an important memory-related brain structure - is being investigated to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD). DBS-f has been successful in improving memory function and slowing disease progression in many AD patients. The collective experience gained can now be thoroughly examined. The current proposal aims to employ analysis of the imaging and clinical data to identify factors that will help improve this new and exciting technique. The cumulative data of over 60 patients treated with DBS-f -including individual disease progression, demographics, and detailed brain imaging - will be systematically analyzed. Machine learning techniques will then be used to identify whether these factors predict treatment success and evaluate how we can use this information to improve treatment. DBS-f is a relatively new technique. This research will help increase its potential to treat AD, providing more patients with symptom relief and better quality of life. Specifically, the results will help to guide patient selection, refine the targeted brain area, and improve DBS device programming.