text: Dementia could soon be treated with a 'brain pacemaker' inserted directly into the skull, according to new research. Scientists have shown that using deep brain stimulation (DBS), a technique already used to treat Parkinson's disease, can boost memory by causing new brain cells to be formed. A 'pacemaker' fitted with electrodes is inserted into the brain through holes drilled in the skull. Deep brain stimulation is already used to treat Parkinson's, but now researchers now believe it could be used to improve brain function and ward off diseases such as dementia (file image) Experiments on rats found the therapy improved their powers of recall, and it is hoped the same will apply to humans. The device sends electrical impulses to specific parts of the brain and has also been shown to provide benefits for a range of conditions including chronic pain, major depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. The device was implanted into middle aged rats, sending out minute electrical impulses, and the study found the animals performed better in memory tests compared to those who had not been stimulated, even after 24 hours. Professor Ajai Vyas, of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, said: 'Extensive studies have shown that rats' brains and memory systems are very similar to humans. 'The electrodes are harmless to the rats, as they go on to live normally and fulfil their regular adult lifespan of around 22 months.' DBS is a surgical procedure that has become an established NHS treatment  for Parkinson's sufferers whose condition does not respond to drugs. Tests on lab mice showed improved memory within just 24 hours, while the rodents' life-spans were unaffected (file image) Now the new research, published in the journal eLife, has discovered it could also be used to enhance the growth of brain cells which relieves the harmful effects of dementia related conditions and improves short and long term memory. It found new brain cells, or neurons, can be formed by stimulating the front part of the brain known as the prefrontal cortex which is involved in memory retention using minute amounts of electricity. The increase in brain cells reduces anxiety and depression, promotes improved learning, and boosts overall memory formation and retention. Prof Vyas said: 'The findings from the research clearly show the potential of enhancing the growth of brain cells using deep brain stimulation. 'Around 60 per cent of patients do not respond to regular anti depressant treatments and our research opens new doors for more effective treatment options.' Prof Lim Lee Wei, of Sunway University, Malaysia, who worked on the project while he was at Nanyang Technological University, said DBS brings multiple benefits. He said: 'No negative effects have been reported in such prefrontal cortex stimulation in humans and studies have shown that stimulation also produces anti depression effects and reduces anxiety. 'Memory loss in older people is not only a serious and widespread problem, but signifies a key symptom of dementia. 'At least one in 10 people aged 60 and above in Singapore suffer from dementia and this breakthrough could pave the way towards improved treatments for patients.' For decades, scientists have been finding ways to generate brain cells to treat brain trauma and injury, and age related diseases such as dementia. As part of a natural cycle, brain cells constantly die and get replaced by new ones. The area of the brain responsible for generating new brain cells is known as the hippocampus, which is also involved in memory forming, organising and retention. By stimulating the prefrontal cortex, new brain cells are formed in the hippocampus although it had not been directly stimulated.
target: Deep brain stimulation involves implanting electrodes inside the skull .
  Technique is already used to help treat diseases such as Parkinson's .
  Scientists think it could help delay dementia by replenishing brain cells .