A novel approach to Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) developed by Israeli researchers is showing promise in reversing cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia, according to a study published this week in Nature Communications. The therapy, tested in preclinical models, aims to address the underlying neurological mechanisms of the disorder, offering potential benefits for patients who do not respond to conventional treatments.
The research, led by Dr. Nir Asch of the Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa and supervised by Professor Hagai Bergman of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, focused on applying low-frequency DBS to the external globus pallidus (GPe) region of the brain in a primate model exhibiting psychosis-like symptoms. Results demonstrated a restoration of cognitive flexibility and a rebalancing of exploratory behavior – functions often impaired in individuals with schizophrenia.
“We offer a clear theory about what is happening mechanically in the brain and also a way to solve it,” stated Dr. Asch in an interview with The Times of Israel. The study utilized computational modeling, data analysis, and machine learning to pinpoint the specific brain circuits involved and optimize the stimulation parameters. Professor Bergman, a pioneer in DBS therapy and the 2024 recipient of the Israel Prize, has previously focused his perform on applying DBS to Parkinson’s disease.
Schizophrenia affects an estimated 21 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, and approximately one in every 143 people in Israel – roughly 70,000 individuals – live with the condition, as reported by the Israeli mental health organization Ozma. A significant portion of these patients, around one-third, do not experience adequate relief from existing pharmacological treatments, creating a substantial require for alternative therapeutic strategies.
The new therapy utilizes a targeted electrical stimulation of low frequency, specifically 13 Hz, delivered to the GPe. Researchers observed rapid improvements in cognitive function and behavior following the intervention. The study’s findings suggest that DBS could potentially restore functions related to movement control, learning, and decision-making, which are often compromised in schizophrenia.
Dr. Asch emphasized the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms of mental illnesses, stating that many psychiatric conditions are currently defined solely by their symptoms. This research aims to move beyond symptomatic treatment by addressing the neurological basis of the disorder. The team hopes this approach will broaden treatment options for patients with schizophrenia who have not responded to existing therapies.
Further research and clinical trials will be necessary to determine the safety and efficacy of this DBS approach in human patients. The Rambam Health Care Campus has not yet announced a timeline for initiating human trials, and the long-term effects of the therapy remain unknown.
