November 9, 2025

@michaelokun

Will temporal interference step into the spotlight in 2026 for Parkinson’s and beyond? Temporal interference refers to using two high-frequency electrical currents to create a lower-frequency stimulation that can non-invasively reach deeper brain regions. Demchenko and colleagues describe in a new paper in Brain Stimulation that temporal interference stimulation is emerging as a safe and promising way to non-invasively reach deep brain circuits in disorders like Parkinson’s and beyond. Key Points: - Temporal interference stimulation uses high frequency electrical currents to create a deeper and more focused stimulation w/ minimal scalp sensation. - Early Phase 1 trials across 820 participants show safety, good tolerability and measurable effects on some motor circuits and on memory systems. - In preliminary Parkinson’s studies, stimulation targeting basal ganglia circuits led to short-term improvements in tremor and bradykinesia. My take: We will need novel tools and technologies to move the field of brain stimulation for Parkinson's and other neuropsychiatric diseases to a new level. Temporal interference is of great interest as it is non-invasive and can reach deep into the brain. Here are 5 points that resonated w/ me: 1- Temporal interference aims deep while remaining non-invasive. Could it one day replace or complement DBS for folks w/ Parkinson’s? 2- Studies show reduced tremor and bradykinesia shortly after stimulation, however more trials are needed to understand its durability. 3- The technology engages key brain circuits including motor and memory networks, frequently aligning stimulation timing w/ real-time tasks to improve results. 4- Side effects reported so far seem to be mild such as tingling or itching and the safety profile looks strong in the early studies. 5- Larger multi-session trials are underway to determine if this technology can meaningfully impact symptoms across movement and other psychiatric conditions. Nir Grossman and Ed Boyden introduced the technique several years past in the journal Cell. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1935861X25003699 #michaelokun #fixelinstitute #parkinson #tms #temporalinterference