Brain implant could restore memory in Alzheimer’s sufferers

A “MAGIC” switch which restores memory could bring hope to millions of Alzheimer’s sufferers.

The electrical implant can bring back long-term memory which has been completely lost and improve it in others who have normal recall.

Researchers from the University of Southern California tested their invention on rats drugged to forget and found it worked immediately. Dr Theodore Berger, of USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering, said: “Flip the switch on and the rats remember. Flip it off and the rats forget,”

Susanne Sorensen, head of research at the Alzheimer’s Society, said last night: “Finding ways to combat symptoms caused by changes in the brain is an ongoing battle for researchers.

“An implant like the one developed for this study could provide an exciting new prospect with real potential.”