Research Post - Application of PEMF Technology for Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders (Part II)

 Before we go on with our story, I would like to pinpoint some more in formation about the affect of PEMF treatments on brain:

 FlexPulse provides this information: Lower intensity, frequency-based, PEMF therapy aids sleep and has positive effects on calming the brain through at least one mechanism, entrainment. Neuro-entrainment refers to the synchronization (also known as resonance) of an external frequency with the frequencies of the brain. And here is their illustration

Source: https://flexpulse.com/pemf-therapy-sleep-benefits/

 PEMF devices are safe – this is illustrated by OskaWelness infographic:

Source: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1163/1604/files/Oska-10factsPEMF-infographic_FINAL.pdf

 The works of the classics of Russian physiotherapy define the basic concepts that the Russian doctors use in everyday practice.

Biotropic parameters - physical characteristics of the magnetic field: determining primary, biologically significant physical-chemical and informational mechanisms of field action, that determine the formation of appropriate reactions both in individual organs and at the level of a holistic organism. (Biotropic Parameters of Magnetic Fields. Shishlo M. A. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult. 1981 May-Jun;(3):61-3; Electromagnetic Fields in Neurophysiology. Kholodov Y.A., Shishlo M. A. Msocow, Nauka Publishing House, 1979). These include field type, induction, energy, gradient, vector and frequency of the field, shape in time and space, exposure and localization of impact. From each of the parameters, as well as their combination, significantly depends on the effectiveness of treatment of a disease.

• Electromagnetic field with frequency beta - rhythm of human EEG (814 Hz) cause a greater effect than neighboring frequencies of the same intensity
• The rectangular form of pulse is more active than sinusoidal
• Physiotherapy tradition determines the duration of exposure within 10-30 minutes daily from 5 to 25 days.
• The footprint nature of the magnetic field. After a single effect, the body's reactions are maintained for 1-6 days, and after course procedures - 30-45 days, which causes a break between repeated courses of treatment for this period.

These are very important statements – based on them PEMF practical administration is executed.  All this is summarized:

Now, let us turn to clinical trials that were conducted in Russia. DIAMAG device (or its analog) was used.

The first one is Evaluation of the effectiveness of transcranial magnetotherapy in rehabilitation of patients with hypertension, combined with chronic cerebrovascular diseases – executed at Novosibirsk Scientific & Research Institute of Experimental & Clinical Medicine in 2017

Fifty patients between the ages of 20 and 75 (62.1 to 2.0 years) were examined and treated. Reference Group received basic drug therapy for two weeks. Main group - against the background of basic drug therapy – were treated with transcranial magnetotherapy device with the Headband (course of 10 procedures). Reversive magnetic field: magnetic flux – 2 mT, frequency – 100 Hz. The outcomes are summarized here: 

 St.Petersburg V.M. Bekhterev Psychoneurological Research Institute in 2017 conducted Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Placebo Control Study Of Magnetotherapy Efficacy Using Electromagnetic Effects Of Almag-03 Device In Neurotic Type Anxiety-Depressive Disorders 

MAIN GROUP - 30 patients: A course of 10 procedures (20 minutes each) by device daily on weekdays.

Magnetic field characteristics

• Running pulsed magnetic field,
• Exposure to packs of pulses with automatically changing frequency of 1 to 5 pulses per second,
• Amplitude of magnetic induction on the surface 10 mT

 Experimental psychological research - examination by physiotherapist, neurologist, psychodiagnosis and consultation of a psychotherapist - was carried out before the start of treatment and 20 days after the end of treatment. All patients received pharmacological treatment with antidepressants in medium-therapeutic doses: paroxetine (20 - 40 mg/day), fluvoxamine (100 - 150 mg/day), sertraline (50 - 100 mg/day).

Patients in the Sham Group received 10 placebo procedures in a similar mode

Results demonstrate effectiveness and safety of magnetotherapy for treatment of depressive disorders. Therapeutic effect in its influence on cognitive sphere, substantially differs from the placebo effect .

The outcomes are summarized:

This concludes the series of two posts. More details on the subject can be viewed at this page by Dr. Alexey V Ivanov

Research Post - DIAMAG (ALAMAG-03) Device for Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases

•  Stimulates production of melatonin which is a natural stress protector; provides sedation, sleeping recovery, anxiety level reduction
• Reduces blood pressure, increases blood oxygen saturation; activates metabolic processes
• Relieves pain attacks without painkillers usage
• Normalizes muscle tone, restores motor function, giving back the patient the ability to carry on activities of daily living
• Restores mind lucidity, normalizes hearing and vision
• Improves coordination and memory, thinking processes
• Improves visual acuity, normalizes light sensitivity, increases the field of view limits, improving trophic in the retina and optic nerve

 INDICATIONS FOR USE

• Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with symptoms of cranialgia, cephalgia
• Sleep disturbances
• Effects of cerebrovascular accident
• Parkinson’s disease
• Chronic cerebral ischemia
• Transient ischemic attack
• Chronic iridocyclitis
• Migraine neuralgia, migraine

Four operation modes

• Program No. 1 -treatment of brain conditions (consequences of a cerebrovascular accident, transient ischemic attack, chronic cerebral ischemia, migraine)
• Program No. 2 - treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with cephalgia and cranialgia
• Program No.3 - treatment of eye diseases (chronic iridocyclitis).
• Program No. 4 to treat Parkinson's disease.

 

Tech Specs

Generates pulsed magnetic fields

a) field types:

- “travelling” - serial actuation of all emitters of flexible emitting lines from the 1st emitter to the 6th in cycles (programs No.1, No.2, No.3);

- “static” simultaneous actuation of all the emitters (program No.4).

b) pulse frequency within each packet:

- 30 pulses/sec (program No.3);

- 7 pulses/sec (programs No.1, No.4);

Relative deviation of the frequency value is within 5%;

c) peak values of the magnetic field density on the emitters’ surface:

- 10 mT (programs No.1, No.2, No.3);

- 8 mT (program No.4);

Absolute deviation of the field density peak value (B) is within [0.2B+0.6] mT.

This post is not advertising - for information purposes only

 

Research Post - Application of PEMF Technology for Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders (Part I)

 PEMF technology has been around for more than 60 years. On the Internet you can find many theories about its origin and development. However, everyone undeniably admits that it was based on Nikola Tesla and his coils. The quantum leap in development occurred after the use of PEMF devices by the Russian Space Agency and NASA. In this series of two posts I will describe (i) General background of the subject; (ii) Summarize the results of clinical trials that were performed in Russia (this based on the presentation by Dr. Alexey Ivanov, ELAMED Plant, at the Herzog Hospital in Haifa, Israel, in February 2020)

Early-onsetdementia and Alzheimer’s disease affect the daily lives of a growing number of population. As measured by the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Health Index, SM in 2017, about 131,000 commercially insured Americans between the ages of 30 and 64 were diagnosed with either condition.

Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Health of America Report^® provides this illustration:

Source: Early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease affect the daily lives of a growing number of population

 The Swedish expert Elisabeth Rothenberg reports: The number affected with Alzheimer’s is estimated to increase globally from today’s 47 million to 75 million 2030 and to 132 million in 20503. Parkinson’s Diseases is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder after AD. Globally approximately 7 million people are affected.

 The  Global Market for Neurodegenerative Disorders Therapy is growing with CAGR (annual increase) of 8% - by 2022 will reach almost 14 billion dollars. One of the main factors of growth is the development of pharmacological drugs. Recent news report that

The disease can be managed with drugs, but these tend to become ineffective after five years as well as causing a number of side effects. The only known alternative treatment is an invasive surgery called deep brain stimulation, where the patient’s brain is electrocuted. But this surgery produces mixed results and does not target specific cells affected by Parkinson’s.

Also there is a high percentage of failures in clinical trials of pharmacological drugs. Analyzing numerous market studies on the subject, one can note that   PEMF physiotherapy is not even considered.

 Therefore, objectively - physiotherapy PEMF can serve as an effective tool, which is proved by the studies conducted worldwide.

 Before we follow further on with discussions, it is useful to review this slide:

In 1993 Jerry I. Jacobson was granted a U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,746 that provides method for PEMF treatment for virally and genetically induced diseases such as epilepsy and Parkinson's disease – these are subject to arrest or reversal. Patients were subjected to electromagnetic field having an intensity (H) of about 0.67 oersteds (MKS) to 7.6×10-2 oersteds to about 7.6×10-9 oersteds (CGS), to 6×10-8 oersteds (MKS) for at least 20 minutes at a time

 In 1992 Sandyk R et al. studied the effects of application of external artificial weak magnetic fields in a Parkinsonian patient with severe levodopa-induced dyskinesias ("on-off"). Application of weak magnetic fields with a frequency of 2 Hz and intensity of 7.5 picotesla (pT) for a 6-minute period resulted in a rapid and dramatic attenuation of Parkinsonian disability and an almost complete resolution of the dyskinesias. This effect persisted for about 72 hours after which the patient regressed to his pretreatment state

 A very detailed monograph is presented by Arno Marin Janssen, Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Detailed studies of TMS on different brain arears, including theta burst stimulation, Freezing Of Gait (FOG) tests,  properties of the TMS-induced electric fields are described.

 Mechanisms and therapeutic applications of electromagnetic therapy in Parkinson’s disease by Vadalà et al. describes state of the art of electromagnetic therapy for treatment of PD: Electromagnetic therapy represents a non-invasive, safe and promising approach that can be used alone or combined with conventional therapies for the challenging treatment of PD motor and non-motor symptoms.

 Significant portion of research and clinical trial proving effectiveness of PEMF applications were conducted in Russia:

• TMS in combination with magnetotherapy of the peripheral department of nervous system is accompanied by additional strengthening of neuroplastic processes in the cerebral cortex by providing afferent flow with paretic extremities. Stimulation of motor centers of brain and afferent structures of the nerve apparatus helps to restore severed physiological connections and activate additional interneural synaptic contacts aimed at reorganizing cortical motor representation and increasing of functional activity of the pyramid path. (Kuznetsova S.M., Skachkova N.A. The use of combined rhythmic transcranial and peripheral magnetic stimulation in the rehabilitation system of stroke patients. Neurology and Neurosurgery Eastern Europe. 2014; 2 (22): 54-64)
• Application of pulsed magnetic field on the brain leads to decrease in swelling of nerve tissue, increased microhemodynamics, as well as to restoration of the ratio activating/braking processes in the central nervous system. All this helps to limit dysfunction of the tone regulating centers of the reticular formation, which is clinically manifested by normalization of muscle tone. (Pletnev S.V. Magnetic field, properties, application: Scientific and educational - methodical reference manual. SPb .: Humanistics. 2004: 624) 
•  Associative zones are activated: improving learning ability, increasing ability to concentrate, increasing efficiency of assimilation, storage and reproduction of information.  Secondary (indirect) change in the activity of cortical subcortical bonds and deep brain structures, can be used to correct motor, behavioral and affective disorders (Kulish A.V. A systematic approach in the application of transcranial magnetic effects in the rehabilitation of patients with chronic non-infectious diseases: abstract d. sciences: Nat. Med)

 

 

 

Research Paper: Technologies for Treatment of Cognitive Decline (Part II)

 In this second part lets us have a look at Technologies. First, here is an illustration of the current situation in the market that can be viewed composed of the two segments: cognitive assessment and training business (based on phsychophysical testing) and wellness and fitness-oriented (mostly in the form of active-aging centers):

 

This is all based on the sound base of consumers that are ready to exploit aging technology – as represented in the AARP recent research:

The 50+ represent a strong and growing base for technology products.

• 115M strong and growing at the fastest rate, the 50+ will swell in ranks to 132M by 2030 and are projected to spend $84B annually at current spending levels on tech products for themselves. While women spend more on tech overall than men ($737 vs. $529), men are more likely than women to make high-ticket tech purchases (spent $500+ on tech: men: 28%, women:22%).

We may distinguish three major types of neurorehabilitation techniques:

 

Market Research Future (MRFR) report Neurorehabilitation Devices Market Analysis By Top Companies defines:

 Neurorehabilitation devices are therapeutic devices that are utilized in rehabilitation programs. It deals with daunting challenges to learn to live with different neurological conditions including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, peripheral nervous disorders, spinal cord injuries, brain tremor, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, ADHD, and Alzheimer's disease. Besides, it also assists designers in understanding and better formulating designs, control systems, and measurement for biomedical devices utilized in the treatment.

NeuronUP Web resource for cognitive rehab professionals has a huge amount of valuable information – so, adapted from it we may present the following classification for applications of Cognitive Decline Technologies:

 

Therapeutic devices can be divided in the following three areas:

Here is the list of certain systems that are present in the market

 

Research Paper - Technologies for Treatment of Cognitive Decline (Part I)

 

In this series of two posts I will present results of research on the subject. The first part shows the statements for various scholarly papers and news reports. In the second part several of technology solutions will be exhibited.

From “Ageing and Cognitive Function: A Mini-Review”. Naghmeh Mokhber., et al. EC Neurology 11.7 (2019): 475-480.

In the seventeenth century, B.C. Pythagoras, a Greek physician and philosopher proposed the age milestones as 7, 21, 49, 63 and 81 years. He put the last two under the term “senium” (old age) meaning the time when “the scene of mortal existence close” with a significant decline in the human body and mental abilities. Later, Aristotle [384-322 B.C.] stated that old citizens do not deserve high administrative positions, because ageing often leads to mental failure. Nevertheless, about three centuries later, Cicero [106 - 143 B.C.], a Roman philosopher, mentioned that cognitive decline might happen in those with a “weak will.” He proposed that “old men can retain their mental abilities if they preserve their interests.” In other words, this statement implies the “use it or lose it” motto/hypothesis.

This is a good illustration of Cognitive Functions development during the life course by Dorina Cadar:

The Big Window® Consulting Ltd produced a report: The Ageing Population: Ageing Mind Literature Review Report 2017

From early adulthood, subtle and incremental changes occur in the way the brain handles information. This process is known as ‘normal cognitive ageing’. This is not the same as pathological cognitive change, which involves the onset of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, usually after the age of 65. Between normal cognitive ageing and age-related pathological change lies a condition that is known as ‘mild cognitive impairment’ (‘MCI’). People with MCI have difficulties with their mental abilities that are more marked than would normally be expected for a healthy person of their age, yet the symptoms do not meet the criteria for dementia.11 MCI is recognised as a risk factor for dementia although a large proportion of people with MCI do not go on to develop dementia.

National Academy of Sciences published an informative material: COGNITIVE AGING - An Action Guide for Individuals and Families that among other valuable information has the following:

One of the key notions in the science is a definition of “fluid intelligence” (ability to reason) and “crystallized intelligence” (ability to use learned skills). So here are some citations on this.

Scientists at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College note:

Two cognitive factors explain why most workers remain productive despite a decline in fluid intelligence: 1) crystallized intelligence – knowledge that accumulates with age – can offset declines in fluid intelligence; and 2) cognitive reserves, or fluid intelligence that exceeds job demands, can provide workers with a buffer. The first factor tends to particularly help skilled workers, while the second factor tends to benefit unskilled workers more.

 University of California Television (UCTV) produced this video Thinking and Doing: Cognitive Aging and Function where they examine the subject.

U.S. CDC in its pamphlet CDC: Cognitive Impairment: A Call for Action, Now! provides this illustration:

Most of the people do not realize the fact that some aspects of age-related cognitive decline begin in healthy educated adults when they are in their 20s and 30s. An impressive 2012 report shows data from Whitehall II prospective cohort study:

Whitehall II prospective cohort study, which was established in 1985 on 10,308 British civil servants (73% of those invited), ages 35 to 55. In men ages 45 to 49 at baseline, the 10-year decline rate in reasoning (change/range of test x 100) was –3.6%, while men ages 65 to 70 at baseline showed a 10-year decline rate of –9.6%. Women in the corresponding age categories had a –3.6% decline rate and –7.4% rate, respectively.

Neuroscientists at MIT and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) found that different components of fluid intelligence peak at different ages, some as late as age 40:

The researchers gathered data from nearly 50,000 subjects and found a very clear picture showing that each cognitive skill they were testing peaked at a different age. For example, raw speed in processing information appears to peak around age 18 or 19, then immediately starts to decline. Meanwhile, short-term memory continues to improve until around age 25, when it levels off and then begins to drop around age 35. For the ability to evaluate other people’s emotional states, the peak occurred much later, in the 40s or 50s.

 

Fluid intelligence refers to the ability to reason and think flexibly. Crystallized intelligence refers to the accumulation of knowledge, facts, and skills that are acquired throughout life.

Here are some interesting slides:

In their Dementia and Cognitive Decline Evidence Review Oct 2014 Sujata Ray and Dr Susan Davidson from the Age UK Research note:

Cognitive interventions are usually separated into three categories (although some people use them interchangeably, especially in non-academic literature): Cognitive Stimulation, Cognitive Training, and Cognitive Rehabilitation. Simon and colleagues90 define these as: Cognitive stimulation comprises involvement in group activities that are designed to increase cognitive and social functioning in a nonspecific manner. Cognitive training is a more specific approach, which teaches theoretically supported strategies and skills to optimize specific cognitive functions. Cognitive rehabilitation involves an individualised approach using tailored programs centred on specific activities of daily life. Personally relevant goals are identified, and the therapist, patient and family work together to achieve these goals (e.g., joining a social group).

Research Post - Neurowearables: 2020 Market Overview

 The Brain Science has witnessed a rapid development in the last decade. While numerous companies and individual scientists are involved in research and clinical trials, many companies used the advantages of Digital Healthcare to develop and introduce to the market Neurowearables. One peculiarity of these devices is that most of them do not require FDA approval – they are considered as a lifestyle devices (not medical ones) and are 100% non-invasive.

In 2019 scientists from University of British Columbia conducted a market research and found “41 DTC (Direct to Customer) wearable neurodevices available for purchase. Of these, 22 were recording devices (e.g., electroencephalogram [EEG]) and 19 were stimulating devices (e.g., transcranial direct current stimulation [tDCS]).

This presentation Advances in Neurotechnology by Professor Judy Illes, in great detail explains the latest developments, particularly Neurowearables – notes that modern world of neurotechnology is moving at a breathtaking pace

A very good overview is provided by the Wareable: Tapping into the brain: Neuroscience wearables explained.

We here, in this Blog are presenting a number of available DTC Neurowearables that are the result of the last 3-years of monitoring of the market.

DeepAIMed Artificial Intelligence Medical Search Engine

 Brings all medically relevant web content under one search. Retrieves best results for semantic queries with medically valid concepts and do not look for word match like conventional search engines. This technology developed for medical data processing makes use of hypergraphs based on kernel theory. As medical data unlike other websites have rich content, DeepAIMed brain keeps into account of all articles and processes all valid information to retrieve best results. Developed by a multidisciplinary team of software experts, mathematicians, telecommunications engineers, biomedical engineers, computer scientists and statisticians specializing in data science.