Neural implants that claim to boost memory function aren't new, but a novel approach to the problem has led to a device that listens to the brain before responding. This 'closed loop' method of deep brain stimulation has already shown that it can improve the recall of a list of words in volunteers by 15 percent, a leap that could one day help improve the quality of life for those with degenerative neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.

The basic concept itself of boosting memorisation and recall through neural stimulation is old ground. Neuroscientists have gradually progressed from using non-invasive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation techniques to deep brain stimulation in an effort to tickle the right pathways and encourage the brain to store and reconnect with memories.

This new device is based on a closed loop, which varied the electrical stimulation based on feedback decoded from the neural activity in a part of the brain called the lateral temporal cortex. Ideally, the research could be used to help dementia patients by picking up their failing memory as it degenerates. But the idea of decoding neural activity and then responding with stimulation could have applications for many neurological conditions. Getting the probes to sit where they're needed is a delicate operation, meaning it would only be risked in worst-case scenarios where medication or other treatments have failed.



https://www.sciencealert.com/closed-loop-deep-brain-stimulation-improves-memorisation


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