Methods for improving learning or memory by vagus nerve stimulation

• US 6,556,868 B2
• Filed: 01/14/2002
• Issued: 04/29/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University
• Original Assignee: Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University
• Inventors: Smith, Douglas C., Jensen, Robert A., Terry, Reese S. Jr., Clark, Kevin B., Browning, Ronald A., Naritoku, Dean K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Jastrzab, Jeffrey R.
• Application Number:
  US10/047,237
• Publication Number:
  US 20020099418A1
• Time in Patent Office: 470 Days
• Field of Search: 607/45, 607/2, 607/68-76
• US Class Current: 607/45
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36053 adapted for vagal stimulation A61N1/36114 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36064 Epilepsy
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36082 Cognitive or psychiatric applications, e.g. dementia or Alzheimer's disease
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36157 Current A61N1/3616 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36167 Timing, e.g. stimulation onset

Abstract

Methods of improving memory and learning in humans and animals by vagus nerve stimulation are provided. These methods comprise selecting an appropriate human or animal subject and applying to the subject'"'"'s vagus nerve an electrical stimulation signal having parameter values effective in modulating the electrical activity of the vagus nerve in a manner so as to modulate the activity of preselected portions of the brain.

Claims

1. A method for improving learning or memory in a human or animal subject, the method comprising:

(a) applying a stimulating electrical signal to the vagus nerve of a human or animal subject, said stimulating electrical signal being effective to enhance memory storage or consolidation processes in said human or animal subject; and

(b) improving memory storage or improving the retention of learning experiences, in said human or animal subject.

2. A method as set forth in claim 1 further comprising producing said stimulating electrical signal with a stimulus generator implanted within said human or animal subject'"'"'s body.

3. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the electrical signal supplies a current to the vagus nerve in the range of from about 0.1 mA to about 10 mA.

4. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the electrical signal supplies a current to the vagus nerve in the range of from about 0.1 mA to about 4 mA.

5. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the electrical signal comprises a train of pulses, each pulse having a pulse width ranging from about 50 μ

sec. to about 1,500 μ

sec.

6. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the electrical signal comprises a train of pulses, each pulse having a pulse width ranging from about 400 μ

sec. to about 750 μ

sec.

7. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the electrical signal comprises a train of pulses having a frequency ranging from about 1 Hz to about 75 Hz.

8. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the electrical signal comprises a train of pulses having a frequency ranging from about 10 Hz to about 40 Hz.

9. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the electrical signal is monophasic, biphasic, or a combination thereof.

10. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the electrical signal comprises a train of pulses having a train duration ranging from about 1 second to about 4 hours.

11. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the electrical signal comprises a train of pulses having a train duration ranging from about 5 seconds to about 1 hour.

12. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the electrical signal comprises trains of pulses having an interval between trains ranging from about 1 second to about 1 week.

13. A method of as set forth in claim 1 wherein the electrical signal comprises trains of pulses having an interval between trains ranging from about 5 seconds to about 4 hours.

14. A method as set forth in claim 10 wherein trains are supplied on demand.

15. A method as set forth in claim 1 further comprising monitoring said human or animal subject to determine if said learning or memory has been improved in said subject, or if further stimulation of said vagus nerve is required to improve said learning or memory in said subject.

16. A method as set forth in claim 15, wherein said monitoring is performed via a member selected from the group consisting of clinical outcome, a clinical test, a laboratory test, and combinations thereof.

17. A method as set forth in claim 15, wherein said laboratory test is selected from the group consisting of a brain scan, a PET scan, a SPECT scan, an EEG, an evoked potential, monitoring the level of a neurotransmitter in the brain, and monitoring the level of a neurotransmitter in spinal fluid.