Audio-visual treatment points to Alzheimer’s breakthrough

Known as GENUS (Gamma Entrainment Using Sensory stimuli), the method has successfully been trialled in mice, reducing the build-up of amyloid and tau proteins associated with the disease and improving brain function. Flickering lights and soundwaves stimulate activity at the brain’s 40Hz gamma ‘rhythm’. This increased gamma power causes changes in neurons called microglia as well as the brain’s vasculature, allowing amyloid and tau proteins to be detected and cleared from the brain more effectively.

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After demonstrating the effectiveness of GENUS on mice, the MIT team leading the research has now begun preliminary trials on healthy human subjects, where early results have shown the technique can safely increases gamma rhythm power and synchrony across the brain.