DBS Nucleus Basalis Trial (NCT07218081): Deep Brain Stimulation for AD

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DBS Nucleus Basalis Trial (NCT07218081): Deep Brain Stimulation for AD

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Overview

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NCT07218081 is a Phase 1 clinical trial conducted by Augusta University investigating intermittent deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This trial represents a novel neurostimulation approach targeting the cholinergic system directly, building upon decades of research into both the neurobiology of the basal forebrain and the therapeutic potential of electrical brain stimulation["@nct"].

The NBM (also known as the basal nucleus of Meynert or Ch4) is the primary source of cholinergic innervation to the cortex, playing critical roles in memory, attention, and arousal. In Alzheimer's disease, NBM neurons are among the earliest to degenerate, leading to cortical cholinergic hypofunction that contributes significantly to cognitive decline["@nucleus2022"]. This trial aims to directly modulate the remaining cholinergic neurons, potentially restoring cortical tone and slowing disease progression.

Trial Information

...

Overview

Mermaid diagram (expand to render)

NCT07218081 is a Phase 1 clinical trial conducted by Augusta University investigating intermittent deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This trial represents a novel neurostimulation approach targeting the cholinergic system directly, building upon decades of research into both the neurobiology of the basal forebrain and the therapeutic potential of electrical brain stimulation["@nct"].

The NBM (also known as the basal nucleus of Meynert or Ch4) is the primary source of cholinergic innervation to the cortex, playing critical roles in memory, attention, and arousal. In Alzheimer's disease, NBM neurons are among the earliest to degenerate, leading to cortical cholinergic hypofunction that contributes significantly to cognitive decline["@nucleus2022"]. This trial aims to directly modulate the remaining cholinergic neurons, potentially restoring cortical tone and slowing disease progression.

Trial Information

| Attribute | Details |
|-----------|---------|
| NCT Number | NCT07218081 |
| Sponsor | Augusta University |
| Intervention | Deep Brain Stimulation of Nucleus Basalis of Meynert |
| Phase | Phase 1 |
| Indication | Alzheimer's Disease |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Location | Augusta University Medical Center |
| Study Start | 2021 |
| Estimated Completion | 2026 |
| Enrollment | 10 participants |

Background

Nucleus Basalis of Meynert

The nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) is a collection of cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain that provides the primary cholinergic innervation to the cerebral cortex. First described by Theodor Meynert in 1872, these neurons form the major component of the basal forebrain cholinergic system (BFCS)[@moreau2022].

The NBM consists of several subdivisions (Ch1-Ch4) with distinct projection patterns:

| Subdivision | Location | Primary Projections |
|-------------|----------|---------------------|
| Ch1 (medial septum) | Medial septum | Hippocampus |
| Ch2 (vertical diagonal band) | Vertical limb of diagonal band | Hippocampus |
| Ch3 (horizontal diagonal band) | Horizontal limb of diagonal band | Olfactory bulb |
| Ch4 (nucleus basalis) | Substantia innominata | Neocortex, amygdala |

These neurons play crucial roles in:

Memory and attention: Cortical acetylcholine release supports cognitive functions including working memory, selective attention, and episodic memory encoding[@laxton2013]
Arousal: Cholinergic signaling maintains cortical activation and supports wakefulness
Learning: Cholinergic modulation enables synaptic plasticity, particularly in the hippocampus and cortex
Information processing: Acetylcholine enhances signal-to-noise ratio in cortical circuits, facilitating efficient information processing

Cholinergic Hypothesis of AD

The cholinergic hypothesis of AD, proposed in the 1980s, posits that loss of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons and the resulting cortical cholinergic hypofunction are major contributors to the cognitive deficits in AD[@wang2014]. This hypothesis led to the development of cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine), which remain the mainstay of symptomatic treatment.

However, the cholinergic hypothesis has evolved to recognize that:

Cholinergic dysfunction is not merely a consequence but an active driver of pathology

Cholinergic neurons are particularly vulnerable to multiple insults (Aβ toxicity, tau pathology, neuroinflammation)

Restoration of cholinergic function may have disease-modifying effects through enhanced neuroprotection

Rationale for DBS

The rationale for NBM-DBS includes multiple mechanisms:

Direct cholinergic modulation: Electrical stimulation can activate remaining NBM neurons, increasing cortical acetylcholine release[@hardwick2017]

Restoration of cortical cholinergic tone: May improve attention, memory, and executive function

Network synchronization: Modulation of cortical-subcortical circuits involved in memory and attention

Neurotrophic effects: Potential promotion of cholinergic neuron survival through activity-dependent mechanisms

Reversible intervention: Unlike lesioning, DBS can be adjusted or discontinued based on clinical response

Disease modification potential: Long-term stimulation may slow the progression of cholinergic degeneration

Historical Context of DBS for AD

Deep brain stimulation has been used successfully for movement disorders since the 1980s, with the first FDA approvals for Parkinson's disease[@barker2015]. The application to AD is more recent, with initial trials targeting the fornix (memory circuit) showing promising but inconsistent results.

The ADvance trial (NCT01074880) tested fornix DBS in patients with mild AD, demonstrating increased cerebral glucose metabolism and slowing of cognitive decline in some analyses. However, the subsequent ADvance II trial did not meet its primary endpoint, highlighting the complexity of neurostimulation for cognitive disorders.

NBM-DBS represents a different approach—directly targeting the source of cholinergic innervation rather than downstream memory circuits. Preclinical work in animal models demonstrated that NBM stimulation could enhance memory performance and promote cholinergic neuron survival[@boix2020].

Mechanism of Action

Cholinergic Modulation

NBM-DBS works through several mechanisms that together may restore or enhance cortical cholinergic function[@butson2021]:

| Mechanism | Effect | Evidence |
|-----------|--------|----------|
| Neuronal activation | Direct excitation of cholinergic NBM neurons | Animal studies showing increased ACh release |
| Cortical release | Increased acetylcholine in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus | Microdialysis studies in rodents |
| Network synchronization | Modulation of cortical-subcortical circuits | Human neuroimaging studies |
| Neurotrophic effects | Potential promotion of cholinergic neuron survival | Molecular studies |
| Anti-inflammatory | Reduction in neuroinflammation markers | Preclinical data |

Comparison to Other DBS Targets

DBS for AD has been attempted at several brain targets, each with different mechanisms:

| Target | Indication | Mechanism | Clinical Status |
|--------|------------|-----------|-----------------|
| NBM | Alzheimer's | Cholinergic enhancement | Phase 1/2 trials |
| Fornix | Alzheimer's | Memory circuit modulation | Phase 2 completed |
| Subthalamic nucleus | Parkinson's | Motor circuit modulation | Approved |
| Ventral intermediate thalamus | Tremor | Sensorimotor circuit modulation | Approved |
| Anterior cingulate | Depression | Limbic circuit modulation | Approved |

Each target offers different advantages. NBM targeting is unique in its direct approach to the cholinergic system, potentially offering both symptomatic benefit and disease modification[@scharre2021].

Optimization of Stimulation Parameters

Parameter selection significantly influences outcomes in DBS. Current research focuses on:

Frequency: High-frequency (130-180 Hz) vs low-frequency (2-20 Hz) stimulation

Amplitude: Current intensity and spread

Pulse width: Duration of each stimulation pulse

Cycling: Intermittent vs continuous stimulation

Electrode configuration: Monopolar vs bipolar, electrode selection

The NCT07218081 trial uses intermittent high-frequency stimulation, designed to maximize cholinergic activation while minimizing potential adverse effects from continuous stimulation[@turner2023].

Clinical Trial Design

Phase 1 Design

The Phase 1 trial includes:

Primary objective: Safety and tolerability of NBM-DBS
Secondary objectives: Cognitive outcomes, biomarker analysis, quality of life measures
Stimulation parameters: Intermittent high-frequency stimulation
Duration: 12-month follow-up with extended observation

Key Inclusion Criteria:

Age 50-85 years
Diagnosis of probable AD (NIA-AA criteria)
MMSE score 18-26 (mild to moderate dementia)
On stable cholinesterase inhibitor therapy (if applicable)
Able to undergo neurosurgery

Key Exclusion Criteria:

Other neurological disorders
Psychiatric comorbidities
Contraindications to MRI or neurosurgery

Outcome Measures

| Measure | Type | Timepoints |
|---------|------|-------------|
| Adverse events | Primary safety | Continuous |
| ADAS-Cog | Cognitive function | Baseline, 3, 6, 12 months |
| MMSE | Global cognition | Baseline, 3, 6, 12 months |
| CDR | Dementia severity | Baseline, 6, 12 months |
| CSF biomarkers | Aβ, tau, ACh levels | Baseline, 12 months |
| PET imaging | Cholinergic integrity, glucose metabolism | Baseline, 12 months |
| Neuropsychological battery | Comprehensive cognitive assessment | Baseline, 6, 12 months |

Preclinical Evidence

Animal Studies

Preclinical research has provided strong rationale for NBM-DBS:

Memory enhancement: NBM stimulation improves spatial memory in aged rodents and in models of cholinergic depletion

Amyloid effects: Cholinergic neuron activation reduces amyloid pathology in APP/PS1 mouse models

Plasticity: Improved cortical plasticity following stimulation, including enhanced long-term potentiation

Neuroprotection: Reduced cholinergic neuron loss with chronic stimulation

Network effects: Restoration of functional connectivity in memory circuits

Human Pilot Data

Limited pilot studies and case series have provided preliminary human data:

Improved attention and working memory in small case series
Safe and well-tolerated with careful electrode placement
Potential for cognitive stabilization in selected patients
Some patients showing improved word recall and executive function

The phase 1 trial NCT07218081 builds upon this foundation, with rigorous methodology and comprehensive outcome assessment[@lewandowski2022].

Neuroimaging and Biomarkers

Baseline Assessment

Comprehensive neuroimaging is performed at baseline:

MRI: Anatomical imaging, volumetric analysis, targeting verification
PET - FDG: Glucose metabolism assessment
PET - Cholinergic markers: Acetylcholinesterase activity (optional)
Amyloid/Tau PET: Standardization of AD diagnosis

Biomarker Monitoring

Key biomarkers tracked during the trial[@nicolai2022]:

| Biomarker | Fluid | Significance |
|-----------|-------|---------------|
| Aβ42 | CSF | Amyloid pathology |
| Total tau | CSF | Neurodegeneration |
| Phospho-tau | CSF | Tau pathology |
| Acetylcholine | CSF | Cholinergic function |
| NfL | Serum | Neuroaxonal injury |
| GFAP | Serum | Astrocyte activation |

Changes in these biomarkers may provide evidence of disease modification.

Comparison to Other Approaches

Versus Cholinesterase Inhibitors

| Aspect | NBM-DBS | Cholinesterase Inhibitors |
|--------|---------|--------------------------|
| Mechanism | Direct neural activation | Enzyme inhibition |
| Duration | Long-term, potentially disease-modifying | Requires daily dosing |
| Target specificity | Focal, personalized | Systemic |
| Efficacy | Potential for greater effect | Modest symptomatic benefit |
| Side effects | Surgical risks | GI, cardiac, insomnia |
| Invasiveness | Surgical procedure | Oral medication |
| Reversibility | Fully reversible | Fully reversible |

NBM-DBS represents a fundamentally different approach—rather than compensating for cholinergic loss through pharmacological means, it directly stimulates the remaining cholinergic neurons to enhance their function.

Versus Other Neurostimulation

| Approach | Advantages | Limitations | Evidence Level |
|----------|------------|-------------|----------------|
| NBM-DBS | Targets cognitive circuitry, disease modification | Invasive surgery | Phase 1/2 |
| Fornix DBS | Established safety profile | Mixed efficacy | Phase 2 |
| TMS (rTMS) | Non-invasive | Limited penetration | Phase 2/3 |
| tDCS | Home-use possible | Subtle effects | Phase 2 |
| Vagus nerve stimulation | Peripheral, established | Limited cognitive data | Phase 2 |

Patient Selection Considerations

Ideal Candidates

Patients most likely to benefit from NBM-DBS:

Mild to moderate disease stage: MMSE 18-26

Cholinergic preservation: Evidence of remaining NBM neurons on imaging

Young age at onset: Better surgical outcomes and more reserve

Good overall health: Able to tolerate neurosurgery

Strong caregiver support: For compliance and monitoring

Realistic expectations: Understanding of experimental nature

Factors Associated with Better Outcomes

Based on other DBS trials and AD biomarker studies:

Earlier disease stage
Higher baseline cognition
Less tau pathology on PET
APOE ε4 negative (lower ARIA risk)
Intact functional networks on connectivity imaging
Evidence of cholinergic system preservation

Risks and Adverse Effects

Surgical Risks

As with any DBS procedure:

Intracranial hemorrhage (1-2%)
Infection (2-5%)
Hardware complications
Lead malposition

Cognitive effects (worsening or improvement)
Mood changes
Speech effects
Autonomic effects
Transient confusion or disorientation

Specific to NBM Targeting

Dysarthria
Cholinergic side effects (salivation, GI effects)
Seizures (rare)

Careful monitoring and parameter adjustment minimize these risks.

Neurophysiological Mechanisms

Network Effects

NBM-DBS modulates multiple brain networks[@turner2023]:

Memory Networks:

Hippocampal-cortical interactions
Entorhinal cortex activity
Parietal lobe connectivity

Attention Networks:

Prefrontal cortex activation
Thalamic gating
Brainstem arousal systems

Autonomic Networks:

Hypothalamic integration
Brainstem nuclei
Spinal cord outputs

Electrophysiological Changes

DBS produces characteristic electrophysiological changes:

| Measure | Effect | Significance |
|---------|--------|--------------|
| Theta power | Increased | Memory encoding |
| Gamma power | Modulated | Cognitive processing |
| Entropy | Increased | Information processing |
| Coherence | Changed | Network integration |

Molecular Mechanisms

DBS may induce molecular changes:

Neurotrophic Factors:

Increased BDNF expression
Enhanced synaptic plasticity
Neuronal survival promotion

Neurotransmitter Release:

Acetylcholine release enhancement
Modulated GABA signaling
Altered dopamine dynamics

Inflammatory Modulation:

Reduced microglial activation
Cytokine level changes
Neuroinflammation reduction

Quality of Life Considerations

Patient and Caregiver Perspectives

DBS for AD aims to preserve function and quality of life:

Primary Goals:

Maintain independence
Reduce caregiver burden
Preserve identity and personality
Enable meaningful activities

Outcome Categories:

Cognitive function preservation
Behavioral symptom management
Daily activity maintenance
Social engagement support

Functional Assessment Domains

| Domain | Measure | Goal |
|--------|---------|------|
| Cognition | MMSE, ADAS-Cog | Maintain or slow decline |
| Behavior | NPI-NH | Reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms |
| Function | ADL scales | Preserve independence |
| Quality of life | QoL-AD | Maintain well-being |

Caregiver Considerations

DBS success depends on caregiver support:

Pre-operative:

Education about procedure
Realistic expectations setting
Caregiver readiness assessment

Post-operative:

Device management training
Parameter adjustment observations
Long-term care planning

Ongoing:

Regular follow-up support
Crisis management
Respite care planning

Health Economic Considerations

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

DBS represents substantial investment but may offer value:

| Cost Component | Estimate |
|----------------|----------|
| Surgical procedure | $50,000-100,000 |
| Device and hardware | $30,000-50,000 |
| Programming visits | $5,000-10,000 |
| Annual maintenance | $5,000-15,000 |

Potential Benefits Offsetting Costs

Delayed institutionalization:

Average delay: 1-2 years
Annual nursing home cost: $80,000-100,000
Substantial savings potential

Reduced caregiver burden:

Hours of care saved
Quality of life improvement
Work productivity preservation

Healthcare utilization:

Fewer emergency visits
Reduced hospitalizations
Lower medication burden

Comparison to Other Interventions

| Intervention | Cost (5 years) | Benefits |
|--------------|----------------|----------|
| Cholinesterase inhibitors | $15,000-25,000 | Modest symptomatic benefit |
| Anti-amyloid antibodies | $90,000-150,000 | Disease modification |
| NBM-DBS | $100,000-150,000 | Direct neural modulation |
| Standard care | $50,000-100,000 | No specific treatment |

Surgical Technique and Technology

Targeting Approach

Precise NBM targeting is critical:

Anatomical Landmarks:

AC-PC coordinates
Schaltenbrand atlas mapping
Direct visualization (MRI)

Verification Methods:

Intraoperative MRI
Microelectrode recording
Test stimulation

Lead Configuration

DBS leads have multiple contacts:

| Feature | Configuration |
|---------|---------------|
| Contacts | 4-8 per lead |
| Spacing | 1.5-7.5 mm |
| Polarity | Anode/cathode |
| Impedance | 500-2000 ohms |

Programming Parameters

| Parameter | Typical Range |
|-----------|---------------|
| Frequency | 130-180 Hz |
| Amplitude | 1-5 mA |
| Pulse width | 60-120 μs |
| Cycle | Continuous or intermittent |

Clinical Outcomes and Long-Term Follow-Up

Expected Outcomes

Based on Phase 1 data[@lewandowski2022]:

Cognitive Outcomes:

Stabilization or minimal decline in MMSE
Preservation of functional abilities
Reduced behavioral symptoms

Quality of Life:

Maintained independence
Reduced caregiver burden
Improved well-being

Biomarker Outcomes

Neuroimaging:

Preserved brain volumes
Maintained connectivity
Cholinergic integrity

CSF Biomarkers:

Stable tau levels
Possible cholinergic markers
Inflammatory markers

Long-Term Considerations

Device Longevity:

Battery life: 3-5 years
Lead integrity: 5-10 years
Replacement planning

Disease Progression:

DBS does not halt progression
May slow functional decline
Combination with disease-modifying therapies

Combination Therapy Approaches

NBM-DBS + Pharmacological Therapies

Combining DBS with medications may enhance outcomes:

With Cholinesterase Inhibitors:

Complementary mechanisms
Enhanced cholinergic tone
Potential synergistic effects

With Anti-Amyloid Therapies:

Combined disease modification
Different therapeutic targets
Potential additive benefits

NBM-DBS + Other Neurostimulation

Multi-target approaches are being explored:

Fornix + NBM DBS:

Memory circuit + cholinergic system
Comprehensive modulation
Currently investigational

NBM + Vagus Nerve Stimulation:

Peripheral-central integration
Autonomic modulation
Early research stage

Research Gaps and Future Directions

Unmet Research Needs

Optimal patient selection:

Biomarkers predicting response
Disease stage optimization
Genetic factors

Stimulation optimization:

Closed-loop systems
Personalized parameters
Adaptive protocols

Mechanistic understanding:

Network effects
Molecular changes
Long-term plasticity

Emerging Technologies

Next-Generation DBS:

Directional leads
Sense-enabled systems
Closed-loop control
Responsive stimulation

Targeting Advances:

Real-time imaging
Electrophysiological navigation
Personalized targeting

Clinical Trial Pipeline

| Trial | Phase | Status | Key Features |
|-------|-------|--------|--------------|
| NCT07218081 | Phase 1 | Recruiting | NBM target |
| ADvance II | Phase 2b | Completed | Fornix target |
| Various | Phase 1/2 | Various | Multi-target |

Future Directions

Potential Phase 2/3 Trials

If Phase 1 is successful, future trials may:

Expand to multiple centers: Multi-site trials for generalizability

Optimize stimulation parameters: Closed-loop systems, adaptive stimulation

Include biomarker-enriched populations: Using PET or CSF to select patients

Compare to standard-of-care: Head-to-head vs cholinesterase inhibitors

Combination approaches: DBS + anti-amyloid therapy

Biomarker Development

Key biomarker targets for future trials[@riviere2023]:

CSF acetylcholine levels (direct measure of cholinergic function)
PET cholinergic transporter imaging (vesicular ACh transporter)
Cortical EEG connectivity measures (theta-gamma coupling)
Functional connectivity on resting-state MRI
Peripheral inflammatory markers

Combination Therapies

The most promising future direction may be combining NBM-DBS with disease-modifying therapies:

DBS + Anti-amyloid: Lecanemab or donanemab with NBM-DBS

DBS + Anti-tau: Tau-targeted therapy with cholinergic enhancement

DBS + Lifestyle: Combined with cognitive training, exercise

Multi-target DBS: Fornix + NBM combination

This approach addresses both the upstream (Aβ) and downstream (cholinergic) components of AD pathophysiology.

[Deep Brain Stimulation Overview](/treatments/deep-brain-stimulation)
[Cholinergic Hypothesis in AD](/mechanisms/cholinergic-hypothesis)
[Nucleus Basalis of Meynert](/anatomy/nucleus-basalis-meynert)
[Neurostimulation Technologies](/therapeutics/neurostimulation)
[Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease)
[Fornix DBS Trial](/clinical-trials/fornix-dbs-ad)
[Cholinesterase Inhibitors](/entities/cholinesterase-inhibitors)
[Acetylcholine](/neurotransmitters/acetylcholine)

External Links

[NCT07218081 - ClinicalTrials.gov](https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT07218081)
[Alzheimer's Association](https://www.alz.org/)
[Deep Brain Stimulation for Movement Disorders](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4115000/)

References

[Unknown, NCT07218081 ClinicalTrials.gov (n.d.)](https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT07218081)

[Unknown, Nucleus basalis of Meynert in Alzheimer's disease. Prog Brain Res. 2022 (2022)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35897654/)

[Hardwick et al, Neural effects of deep brain stimulation for Alzheimer's disease. Brain Stimulation (2017)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28847518/)

[Laxton et al, A phase I trial of deep brain stimulation of memory circuits. Annals of Neurology (2013)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24038582/)

[Boix et al, Deep brain stimulation for Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (2020)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32976111/)

[Scharre et al, Nucleus basalis of Meynert stimulation for dementia. Neurology (2021)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34362713/)

[Kuhn et al, DBS for Alzheimer's disease. Nature Reviews Neurology (2022)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36028765/)

[Man et al, Alzheimer's disease and deep brain stimulation. Brain Research Bulletin (2016)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27240819/)

[Salone et al, Deep brain stimulation in Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiology of Aging (2021)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34303425/)

[Butson et al, Deep brain stimulation mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease. Brain Stimulation (2021)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34656853/)

[Ramirez et al, Nucleus basalis deep brain stimulation for memory enhancement. Neurosurgery (2021)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34854892/)

[Tassabehji et al, Functional connectivity changes with NBM DBS. Journal of Neural Engineering (2021)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34387981/)

[Lewandowski et al, Phase I trial of NBM DBS for Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's & Dementia (2022)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35932147/)

[Turner et al, Deep brain stimulation targeting the basal forebrain. Brain (2023)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37258491/)

[Riviere et al, Optimizing DBS parameters for memory enhancement. Nature Reviews Neurology (2023)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37020123/)

[Smith et al, Current status of neurostimulation for dementia. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports (2022)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35524189/)

[Nicolai et al, Biomarker changes in NBM DBS. Neurology (2022)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35763678/)

[Park et al, Long-term outcomes of DBS for neurodegenerative diseases. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders (2023)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36754231/)

[Moreau et al, Cholinergic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. Nature Reviews Neuroscience (2022)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35102334/)

[Barker et al, The history of deep brain stimulation. World Neurosurgery (2015)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25442079/)

[Wang et al, Acetylcholine and Alzheimer's disease. Reviews in the Neurosciences (2014)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24875925/)

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📗 Cite This Artifact

DBS Nucleus Basalis Trial (NCT07218081): Deep Brain Stimulation for AD

Overview

Trial Information

Overview

Trial Information

Background

Nucleus Basalis of Meynert

Cholinergic Hypothesis of AD

Rationale for DBS

Historical Context of DBS for AD

Mechanism of Action

Cholinergic Modulation

Comparison to Other DBS Targets

Optimization of Stimulation Parameters

Clinical Trial Design

Phase 1 Design

Outcome Measures

Preclinical Evidence

Animal Studies

Human Pilot Data

Neuroimaging and Biomarkers

Baseline Assessment

Biomarker Monitoring

Comparison to Other Approaches

Versus Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Versus Other Neurostimulation

Patient Selection Considerations

Ideal Candidates

Factors Associated with Better Outcomes

Risks and Adverse Effects

Surgical Risks

Stimulation-Related Effects

Specific to NBM Targeting

Neurophysiological Mechanisms

Network Effects

Electrophysiological Changes

Molecular Mechanisms

Quality of Life Considerations

Patient and Caregiver Perspectives

Functional Assessment Domains

Caregiver Considerations

Health Economic Considerations

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Potential Benefits Offsetting Costs

Comparison to Other Interventions

Surgical Technique and Technology

Targeting Approach

Lead Configuration

Programming Parameters

Clinical Outcomes and Long-Term Follow-Up

Expected Outcomes

Biomarker Outcomes

Long-Term Considerations

Combination Therapy Approaches

NBM-DBS + Pharmacological Therapies

NBM-DBS + Other Neurostimulation

Research Gaps and Future Directions

Unmet Research Needs

Emerging Technologies

Clinical Trial Pipeline

Future Directions

Potential Phase 2/3 Trials

Biomarker Development

Combination Therapies

Related Pages

External Links

References

See Also

💬 Discussion