Investigating the Subacute Effects of Two Vestibular Stimulation Methods and Their Combination on Spatial Memory in a Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Bahareh Soufinia; Younes  Lotfi; Mohammad Ali Mirshekar; Moslem  Shaabani; Enayatollah Bakhshi

doi:10.18502/avr.v33i4.16648

Bahareh Soufinia Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Younes Lotfi Department of Audiology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Ali Mirshekar Clinical Immunology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
Moslem Shaabani Department of Audiology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Enayatollah Bakhshi Department of Biostatistics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/avr.v33i4.16648

Abstract

Background and Aim: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline and spatial memory deficits. Recent studies have suggested a potential link between the vestibular system and cognitive function.‏

‏Despite advancements in understanding the role of vestibular stimulation in neurological disorders, there is a paucity of research on this subject. In this regard, this study aims to assess the subacute effects two vestibular stimulation methods and their combination on spatial memory in a rat model of AD.

Methods: Thirty Wistar rats were divided into five groups of AD (without intervention), Rotational Vestibular Stimulation (RVS), noisy Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation (nGVS), nGVS+RVS, and healthy control. The intervention groups received stimulation for 14 days. After AD induction and its confirmation, to examine the sub-acute effects of the stimulation, their performance was assessed using the Morris Water Maze (MVM) test one month later.

Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in the MVM test parameters in the RVS and nGVS+RVS groups compared to the AD group, in the training days and in the probe day, especially in the time to reach the platform and the time spent in the target quarter. Time spent in goal quarter improved in the RVS group compared to the nGVS+RVS group, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The RVS alone or in combination with nGVS can improve spatial memory of rats with AD.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; vestibular stimualtion; spatial memory; rat; rotational vestibular stimulation; noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation