System for stimulating brain plasticity
US6221908A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36082
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for stimulating brain plasticity releases acetylcholine into the learner's brain while the learner is receiving incoming stimuli or performing an activity during the learning process. It is believed that acetylcholine helps the brain in the learning and memorizing process. In one embodiment, the nucleus basalis region of the learner's brain is electrically stimulated to release acetylcholine, thereby aiding the learning and memorizing process. The electrical stimulation advantageously reduces the need for the learner to attach "behavioral importance" and to pay close attention on the incoming stimuli or activity to stimulate the release of acetylcholine. In other embodiments, delivery systems such as microinjection, implanted micro release devices or implanted photo-sensitive release devices may be used to release acetylcholine into the brain to aid the learning process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.