Xiuyun LIU, PhD | Tianjin University; Meijun PANG, PhD; Runnan HE, PhD; Xiqi JIAN, PhD; Huijie YU, PhD; Xizi SONG, PhD; Jinrui DONG, PhD
Competition Sponsor: Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences
Awardee Year: 2024
Hydrocephalus, a prevalent condition among the elderly population, exerting a significant influence on their health and longevity, which lacks noninvasive treatment. The predominant therapeutic approach involves neurosurgical interventions, such as the insertion of cerebrospinal fluid shunts, which has a high risk of complications, imposing a considerable financial burden on the affected patients. Thus, we are in great need to develop novel strategies and devices for the treatment of hydrocephalus, aiming to facilitate safe, efficient and cost-effective treatment. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), a non-invasive neuromodulation technique, has garnered substantial interest in recent years, largely due to neuroscientific advancements, and has been recognized as a potentially effective therapeutic intervention for epilepsy, stroke, and other brain disease. The preliminary research carried out by the project team has uncovered, for the first time, taVNS can significantly enhance the behavioral, pathological, and imaging outcomes in hydrocephalus patients. Based on these findings, the project plan to conduct detailed animal experiment, clinical trial assessments, mechanistic inquiries, and develop innovative taVNS device for hydrocephalus treatment. We aim to afford hydrocephalus patients with a safer and convenient thereby and improving the quality of life for elderly patients.