Scientific research

5

Years of Animal Trials

3

Years Clinical Trials

100+

Patients

Our scientific research

Our animal model investigations have validated the generation of hippocampal Theta II rhythm during VGuard stimulation, a crucial element directly associated with memory consolidation. Through our groundbreaking research, we've deepened comprehension of the neuronal substrate and biochemical mechanisms underpinning the clinical benefits of vagal nerve stimulation.
VAGUS NERVE

The vagus nerve has been shown to enhance memory consolidation, the process of transferring short-term memories to long-term storage. This effect is believed to be mediated by the vagus nerve’s ability to activate the release of Noradrenaline and acetylcholine, a neurotransmitters that play a crucial role in memory formation.

Studies have demonstrated that vagus nerve stimulation can improve memory performance in both healthy individuals and those with cognitive impairments. 

COGNITION AFFECTED BY THE VAGUS NERVE

The vagus nerve has been shown to enhance memory consolidation, the process of transferring short-term memories to long-term storage. This effect is believed to be mediated by the vagus nerve’s ability to activate the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in memory formation.

Studies have demonstrated that vagus nerve stimulation can improve memory performance in both healthy individuals and those with cognitive impairments. For instance, one study found that VNS enhanced verbal memory in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. In another study done in animal model, it was shown that VNS increase Tetha II brains wave activity in the Hippocampus that are related to memory consolidation processes in the brain.

The vagus nerve also influences attention, the ability to focus and selectively process information. It helps to regulate alertness and reduce distractibility, allowing for better concentration and task performance.

Research suggests that VNS can improve attention in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other conditions that affect attention span.

AURICULAR VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION

Auricular vagus nerve stimulation (AVNS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that involves applying electrical stimulation to the concha of the ear, which is part of the outer ear and is in proximity to the auricular vagus nerve branch and provides sensory innervation to the ear canal, tragus, and skin of the auricle.

AVNS is generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated method to inervate the vagus nerve. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, such as ear pain, redness, and itching.

Results and research method

Double Blinded Controlled Clinical Study In Early Alzheimer’s Patients
In our clinical trials we utilized various neuropsychological tests : Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive (ADAS COG), Verbal Memory Probing, Colour trial test, Minimental State Exam (MMSE)

3 years of Clinical trials

Cognitive Improvement in more than 60 % of cases

Memory improvement was observed in more than 60% cases

fMRI studies on 35 healthy voluntieers confirmed hippocampal response to VGuard stimulation

Average ADAS COG change 3M Follow Up

Average ADAS COG change 6M Follow Up

3M Verbal memory Probing Results

Our publications

  • Broncel A., Bocian R., Kłos-Wojtczak P., Konopacki J. 2021, Noradrenergic Profile of Hippocampal Formation Theta Rhythm in Anaesthetized Rats
  • Broncel A. ,Bocian R. , Kłos-Wojtczak P. , Kulbat-Warycha K. , Konopacki J. 2019, Vagal nerve stimulation as a promising tool in the improvement of cognitive T disorders.
  • Broncel A., Bocian R., Kłos-Wojtczak P., Konopacki J. 2018. Medial septal cholinergic mediation of hippocampal theta rhythm induced by vagal nerve stimulation. Plos One. 5;13(11).
  • Broncel A., Bocian R., Kłos-Wojtczak P., Konopacki J. 2018. Some technical issues of vagal nerve stimulation. An approach using a hippocampal formation theta rhythm. Brain Res Bull. 140:402-410.
  • Broncel A., Bocian R., Kłos-Wojtczak P., Konopacki J. 2017. Vagus nerve stimulation produces a hippocampal formation theta rhythm in anesthetized rats. Brain Res. 1675:41-50.
  • Broncel A, Bocian R, Kłos-Wojtczak P, Kulbat-Warycha K, Konopacki J. Brain Res Bull. 2020 Feb Vagal nerve stimulation as a promising tool in the improvement of cognitive disorders.
  • Broncel A, Bocian R, Kłos-Wojtczak P, Konopacki J. Brain Res Bull. 2019 Oct Hippocampal theta rhythm induced by vagal nerve stimulation: The effect of modulation of electrical coupling.
  • Broncel A, Bocian R, Kłos-Wojtczak P, Konopacki J. Brain Res Bull. 2019 Apr GABAergic mediation of hippocampal theta rhythm induced by stimulation of the vagal nerve.
  • Broncel A, Bocian R, Kłos-Wojtczak P, Konopacki J. PLoS One. 2018 Nov 5 Medial septal cholinergic mediation of hippocampal theta rhythm induced by vagal nerve stimulation.
  • Broncel A, Bocian R, Kłos-Wojtczak P, Konopacki J. Brain Res Bull. 2018 Jun Some technical issues of vagal nerve stimulation. An approach using a hippocampal formation theta rhythm.
  • Broncel A, Bocian R, Kłos-Wojtczak P, Konopacki J. Brain Res. 2017 Nov 15 Vagus nerve stimulation produces a hippocampal formation theta rhythm in anesthetized rats.
  • Broncel A, Bocian R, Kłos-Wojtczak P, Konopacki J.Brain Res Bull. 2019 Oct. Hippocampal theta rhythm induced by vagal nerve stimulation: The effect of modulation of electrical coupling.
  • Broncel A, Bocian R, Konopacki J.Brain Res. 2023 Apr 1 Noradrenergic α1, α2, and β1receptors mediate VNS-induced theta oscillations.
  • Broncel A, Bocian R, Kłos-Wojtczak P, Konopacki J.PLoS One. 2018 Nov 5 Medial septal cholinergic mediation of hippocampal theta rhythm induced by vagal nerve stimulation.

Similar publications

  • Calzato L.S., Ritter S.M., Steenbergen L. 2018. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) enhances divergent thinking. Neuropsychologia 111 (2018) 72–76.
  • Jongkees B.J. Immink M.A., Finisguerra A., Colzato L.S. 2018.Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) Enhances Response Selection During Sequential Action. Front Psychol. 2018; 9: 1159.
  • Sellaro R, de Gelder B, Finisguerra A, Colzato LS. 2018. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) enhances recognition of emotions in faces but not bodies. Cortex, Volume 99, February 2018, Pages 213-223.
  • Jacobs HI, Riphagen JM, Razat CM, Wiese S, Sack AT., 2015. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation boosts associative memory in older individuals. Neurobiol Aging. 2015 May;36(5):1860-7.
  • Lorenza S. Colzato, Simone M. Ritter, Laura Steenbergen. 2018. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) enhances divergent thinking. Neuropsychologia 111 (2018) 72–76.
  • Clark, K.B., Naritoku, D.K., Smith, D.C., Browning, R.A., Jensen, R.A., 1999. Enhanced recognition memory following vagus nerve stimulation in human subjects. Nat.Neurosci. 2, 94–98.
  • Sjögren MJ., Hellström PT., Jonsson MA., Runnerstam M., Silander HC., Ben-Menachem E. 2002. Cogniction-enhancing effect of vagus nerve stimulation in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: a pilot study. J Clin Psychiatry. 63(11):972-80.
  • Merrill CA., Johnsson MA., Minthon L., Ejnell H., C-son Silander H., Blennow K., Karlsson M., Nordlund A., Rolstad S., Warkentin S., Ben-Menachem E., Sjögren MJ. Vagus nerve stimulation in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: Additional follow-up results of a pilot study through 1 year. J Clin Psychiatry. 67(8):1171-8.