A groundbreaking study conducted by MIT researchers has uncovered a potential solution to the cognitive effects experienced by patients undergoing chemotherapy, commonly referred to as “chemo brain.” By utilizing noninvasive treatment methods that stimulate gamma frequency brain waves, the researchers demonstrated significant protection against chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairments, such as memory loss and difficulty concentrating.
Led by Dr. Alice Bridges and Professor Lars Chittka, the study showcased how daily exposure to light and sound with a frequency of 40 hertz can safeguard brain cells from chemotherapy-induced damage in mice. This innovative treatment not only prevented memory loss but also enhanced other cognitive functions.
Originally developed to combat Alzheimer’s disease, this treatment exhibits broad-reaching effects that extend to various neurological disorders. According to Li-Huei Tsai, director of MIT’s Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, the treatment reduces DNA damage, inflammation, and promotes the production of oligodendrocytes, crucial for myelin synthesis. Furthermore, it enhances learning, memory, and executive function in animals.
The researchers’ previous work had demonstrated that gamma sensory stimulation could stimulate gamma waves in the brain, offering protective effects against conditions like Alzheimer’s. Building upon this, the current study investigated whether this treatment could counteract the cognitive effects of chemotherapy.
In experimental models using mice, those treated with chemotherapy alone exhibited brain volume shrinkage, DNA damage, demyelination, and inflammation. However, mice receiving both chemotherapy and gamma therapy showed significant reductions in these symptoms, alongside improved cognitive performance.
Furthermore, the study revealed that the beneficial effects of gamma therapy persisted for several months, highlighting its long-lasting impact. This treatment also proved effective against chemo brain induced by different chemotherapy drugs, suggesting its potential universality.
The researchers attribute these positive outcomes to the suppression of inflammation-linked genes and genes triggering cell death, particularly in oligodendrocytes responsible for myelin production.
Excitingly, the potential applications of gamma therapy extend beyond chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairments. Tsai’s lab is exploring its efficacy in various neurological diseases, including Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
As Cognito Therapeutics, a company founded by Tsai and MIT Professor Edward Boyden, advances to Phase III trials for Alzheimer’s patients, the prospects of gamma therapy in mitigating cognitive impairments continue to grow, offering hope for patients facing neurological challenges.
