About this Research Topic
The term ‘neurodegenerative disorders’ encompasses different progressive syndromes characterized by a decline in cognition, altered behaviors, movement and gait abnormalities, and impairments in other higher cortical functions. Neurodegenerative disorders mainly affect older people, and their burden is destined to dramatically increase due to the population aging at a fast rate worldwide. To date, no pharmacological treatment is available to prevent or cure neurodegenerative disorders, apart from some symptomatic treatments, thus highlighting the urgent need for new, effective, therapeutic strategies. In recent years, non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial electric current stimulation (TES) have been developed and are currently under investigation in patients with neurodegenerative disorders for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Although preliminary evidence indicates promising effects of NIBS in neurodegenerative diseases, the therapeutic mechanisms of NIBS are not completely understood.
The proposed Research Topic aims to gather more evidence about the role of NIBS as a tool to better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration (by investigating means of different cortical activity) and to discuss challenges and strategies for innovative therapeutic options based on neuromodulation.
Original articles may cover pre-clinical or clinical applications for Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS), Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS), or Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in neurodegenerative disorders.
Particular attention will be devoted to translational articles addressing the effects of neuromodulation on biological tissues, as well as those focusing on modelling strategies and closed-loop technologies. Moreover, neurophysiological studies in humans and animal models of neurodegenerative diseases focusing on mechanisms leading to altered cortical excitability, plasticity and connectivity are appreciated. Perspectives, Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses will also be considered for publication.
The proposed Research Topic aims to gather more evidence about the role of NIBS as a tool to better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration (by investigating means of different cortical activity) and to discuss challenges and strategies for innovative therapeutic options based on neuromodulation.
Original articles may cover pre-clinical or clinical applications for Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS), Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS), or Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in neurodegenerative disorders.
Particular attention will be devoted to translational articles addressing the effects of neuromodulation on biological tissues, as well as those focusing on modelling strategies and closed-loop technologies. Moreover, neurophysiological studies in humans and animal models of neurodegenerative diseases focusing on mechanisms leading to altered cortical excitability, plasticity and connectivity are appreciated. Perspectives, Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses will also be considered for publication.
Keywords: neuromodulation, translational science, Neurodegenerative diseases, Non-Invasive Brain stimulation, cortical plasticity
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
