Investigating the Effect of Central Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation on Sleep in Alzheimer’s Disease Model

Motivation: In Alzheimer's disease (AD), the neuropsychiatric inventory is strongly affected by sleep disorders, and vice versa. Central thalamic deep brain stimulation (CT-iTBS) has improved memory and altered the hypothalamic function which may impact the orexinergic system and sleep. Goal(s): Investigating the therapeutic effect of CT-iTBS on sleep, orexinergic system, and cognitive function in AD. Approach: Applied functional magnetic resonance imaging, electrocorticogram-electromyogram, behavioral tasks, and ELISA to assess the impact of CT-iTBS in 3xTgAD mouse model. Results: CT-iTBS significantly improved sleep fragmentation, functional connectivity, cognitive function, and orexin receptors and concentrations in 3xTgAD mice. Impact: We discovered that CT-iTBS may play an important role in modulating sleep, the orexinergic system, and cognitive function in AD. Improved outcomes pave the future direction of treating sleep disorders in Alzheimer's disease.