Could the future be free of memory disorders? Scientists just took a big step in that direction by developing a breakthrough brain implant that boosts learning and memory performance.
The device – a “cognitive prosthetic” – is an implanted electrode that delivers precisely timed electrical stimulation to the left side of the brain. Researchers say it brings us closer to a fully implantable neural monitoring and stimulation system, which could improve life for people with traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer’s disease.
It’s hard to overstate the implications of an implant to improve human memory.
As the New York Times recently responded to the findings,
“What exactly does it mean that scientists are truly beginning to understand the biology of memory well enough to manipulate it? Which reaction is appropriate: the futurist’s, or the curmudgeon’s?”
The medical community will likely side with the futurists. Boosting memory retrieval could give people with serious deficits a way to master the crucial facets of daily existence. Medically speaking, it is a huge advance.
Alzheimer’s disease comes to mind as the obvious example. The CDC projects that by 2050, 14 million Americans will be living with Alzheimer’s. That number is currently 5.4 million, fully 11 percent of people age 65 and older.
The benefit of enhanced memory for people living with Alzheimer’s is obvious. Even small improvements could mean more years living independently.
While people with Alzheimer’s jump out as the obvious beneficiaries of this technology, the research was supported by another group that struggles with healthy memory: veterans. The implant was developed by a team at the University of Pennsylvania as part part of a Department of Defense-sponsored project called Restoring Active Memory. The project aims to develop next-generation technologies to improve memory function in veterans with memory loss.
The benefit of enhanced memory for people living with Alzheimer’s is obvious. Even small improvements could mean more years living independently.
Compared to a cognitive prosthetic, current technologies for people suffering from memory disorders are laughable.
Wearable timers, smart pens, and smartwatch apps with location awareness may help patients and families manage the symptoms of memory loss. A smart implant, on the other hand, would stimulate brain activity to avoid forgetfulness in the first place.