A study by MIT researchers demonstrates that tactile stimulation at a 40 Hz gamma frequency can mitigate Alzheimer’s disease pathology and symptoms in mice. This research builds on earlier findings that light and sound at the same frequency also show therapeutic potential. The study revealed that daily exposure to 40 Hz vibrations not only improved brain health and motor functions but also reduced levels of the hallmark Alzheimer’s protein, phosphorylated tau, and minimized neural DNA damage. This suggests that non-invasive sensory stimulation could be a promising new therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases.
Specifically, stimulated mice exhibited enhanced motor performance and notable preservation of neurons and synapses. By using two different Alzheimer’s mouse models, P301S and CK-p25, researchers confirmed that tactile stimulation increased neural activity and reduced tau protein levels. The findings highlight the potential of sensory stimulation modalities, affirming their capability to improve behavioral performance in neurodegenerative conditions. Li-Huei Tsai, the study’s lead author, expressed hope that future research could explore the benefits of tactile stimulation on human subjects with motor function impairments. Overall, this study further substantiates the therapeutic possibilities of gamma frequency stimulation across sensory platforms.
