Cognitive function within a human brain
OwnerAndres M. Lozanoinventor
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for improving cognitive function within a human. The invention utilizes an implanted device, such as an implantable signal generator or an implantable pump, to affect tissue elements within a Papez circuit of the human brain as well as tissue upstream or downstream from the Papez circuit. The implanted device delivers treatment therapy to thereby improve cognitive function by the human. A sensor may be used to detect various symptoms of the cognitive disorder. A microprocessor algorithm may then analyze the output from the sensor to regulate delivery of the stimulation and/or drug therapy.
Claims27
A method for treating human cognitive disorders by means of an implantable signal generator and a lead having a proximal end coupled to the signal generator and a distal portion having at least one electrode, the method comprising:
- (a) implanting at least one electrode in a brain so that the stimulation portion is within tissue elements of the Papez circuit selected from the group consisting of the fornix and the mammilothalamic tracts;
- (b) coupling the proximal end of the implanted electrode to the signal generator;
- and
- (c) treating the cognitive disorder by operating the signal generator to deliver stimulation to the tissue elements.
A method for the improvement of cognitive function in a human having Alzheimers disease and/or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by means of an implantable signal generator and a lead having a proximal end coupled to the signal generator and a distal portion having at least one electrode, the method comprising:
- (a) implanting at least one electrode in a brain so that the stimulation portion is within tissue elements of the Papez circuit selected from the group consisting of the fornix and the mammilothalamic tracts;
- (b) coupling the proximal end of the implanted electrode to the signal generator;
- and improving cognitive function by the human by operating the signal generator to deliver stimulation to the tissue elements.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.