Sensory Stimulation Strategy Shows Promise in Preventing Chemo Brain

Patients undergoing chemotherapy often experience cognitive effects known as "chemo brain," including memory impairment and difficulty concentrating. MIT researchers have discovered a noninvasive treatment involving gamma frequency brain wave stimulation that shows potential in treating chemo brain.

In a recent study on mice, daily exposure to light and sound at 40 hertz protected brain cells from chemotherapy-induced damage, preventing memory loss and cognitive impairment. Originally developed for Alzheimer's disease, this treatment has broad effects that could benefit various neurological disorders.

“The treatment can reduce DNA damage, reduce inflammation, and increase the number of oligodendrocytes,” says Li-Huei Tsai, senior author on the paper recently published in Science Translational Medicine. “We also found that this treatment improved learning and memory, and enhanced executive function in the animals.”

The treatment involves light flickering at 40 hertz to improve cognitive symptoms by stimulating gamma waves in the brain. This stimulation has protective effects, such as preventing amyloid beta plaque formation. Combining light and sound provides even greater protection. Phase 1 clinical trials in early-stage Alzheimer's patients have shown safety and neurological benefits.

In the study, MIT researchers tested the treatment's efficacy in countering chemotherapy-induced cognitive effects using mice treated with cisplatin. Mice receiving gamma therapy alongside chemotherapy showed significant reductions in brain volume shrinkage, DNA damage, demyelination, and inflammation. The therapy also improved behavior and cognitive function.

The treatment's mechanism involves suppressing inflammation-linked genes and genes triggering cell death, particularly in oligodendrocytes. The beneficial effects persisted up to four months post-treatment initiation but were less effective if started three months after chemotherapy. The therapy also improved chemo brain symptoms in mice treated with methotrexate.