Continuous transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in Alzheimer's disease

Beneficial effects in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) of a B-week treatment period of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TEN S) have been shown to disappear during a treatment-free period. Therefore, in the present case study, it was investigated whether a 30 min a day treat ment with TENS applied continuously over a long period could maintain or ev en improve the level of patient's cognitive and behavioural functioning. Th e results show that scores on the majority of the neuropsychological tests and two observation scales remained level or slightly decreased. The presen t findings partly support our hypothesis. However, possible beneficial effe cts of continuous TENS in AD remains to be confirmed in a larger study grou p.