Role of neural oscillations modulating long term potentiation to Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Neural oscillations are key in forming long-term memory. Theta and gamma oscillations have particularly gained substantial interest over the year for their involvement in memory formation. Theta-Gamma Coupling (TGC) has proven to be critical in memory formation processes. However, the relationship between neural oscillations and molecular synaptic mechanisms, including Long Term Potentiation (LTP) and Long-Term Depression (LTD) has yet to be fully understood. Furthermore, the modulation of neural oscillations has emerged as a novel way of treating Alzheimers Disease (AD) and Mild Cognitive Impairments (MCI). Various methods have been exploited, including optogenetics and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). While offering promising results including enhanced memory performance and restored brain oscillations, such modulations applicability to clinical trials in human and potential side effects are still in doubt. In this review, we elucidated on the link between LTP and oscillations, assessed the various neuromodulation techniques introduced by recent studies and also provided insights into future research directions to optimize these present methods of neural modulation.