Repetitive prefrontal tDCS activates VTA dopaminergic neurons, resulting in attenuation of Alzheimer's Disease-like deficits in Tg2576 mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Emerging evidence implicates early dysfunction of dopaminergic neurons in the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) as a key contributor to Alzheimer's Disease (AD) pathophysiology. Specifically, the VTA dopaminergic neurodegeneration and the consequent reduction of dopamine (DA) in mesocorticolimbic targets are associated with the onset of cognitive impairments and neuropsychiatric-like manifestations in AD animal models. Moreover, decreased midbrain volume and functional VTA disconnection are identified as predictors of accelerated progression from Mild Cognitive Impairment to AD-dementia in clinical populations. Given these findings, interventions capable of directly modulating VTA activity and augmenting DA release, despite the ongoing neurodegeneration, may hold therapeutic

SUBMITTER: De Paolis ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12039073 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature