Sensory Stimulation Therapy

Researchers at Tel Aviv University studied the effects of weak, non-invasive brain stimulation on the ability of elderly individuals to simultaneously perform a walking task and a cognitive task, a dual-action activity that serves as a measure of overall functioning. The researchers found that a mild stimulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (D-LPFC) in the brains of elderly participants for 20 minutes improved their performance in combined activities involving walking or maintaining stable posture with a cognitive task. They stated, “This is a very safe treatment, and we hope that in the future, people will be able to perform it themselves at home.”

The Problem and Proposed Solution

The risk of falls among the elderly increases with age. The proposed solution is a preventive treatment to reduce the risk of falls: a home-based, non-invasive electrical stimulation of the left prefrontal cortex of the brain for 20 minutes.