Neuromodulation Interventions for Language Deficits in Alzheimer’s Disease: Update on Current Practice and Future Developments

TL;DR

This paper reviews global research on using brain stimulation techniques to treat language problems in Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting recent trends and challenges.

Contribution

The study provides a bibliometric analysis of neuromodulation research for AD-related language impairments, identifying trends and gaps.

Findings

Non-invasive methods like rTMS and tDCS are most commonly studied for AD language impairments.

Research activity has increased significantly since 2021, with an average of 34.82 citations per article.

Challenges include ethical issues, operational limitations, and the gap between research and clinical use.

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia, characterized by progressive cognitive and language impairments that significantly impact communication and quality of life. Neuromodulation techniques, including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS), have emerged as promising interventions. This study employs bibliometric analysis to evaluate global research trends in neuromodulation treatments for AD-related language impairments. A total of 88 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (2006–2024) were analyzed using bibliometric methods. Key indicators such as publication trends, citation patterns, collaboration networks, and research themes were examined to map the intellectual landscape of this field. The analysis identified 580 authors across 65 journals, with an average of 34.82 citations per article. Nearly half of the publications were produced after 2021, indicating rapid recent growth. The findings highlight a predominant focus on non-invasive neuromodulation methods, particularly rTMS and tDCS, within neurosciences and neurology. While research activity is increasing, significant challenges persist, including ethical concerns, operational constraints, and the translational gap between research and clinical applications. This study provides insights into the current research landscape and future directions for neuromodulation in AD-related language impairments. The results emphasize the need for novel neuromodulation techniques and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance therapeutic efficacy and clinical integration.

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