Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation and Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Potential Therapeutic Strategies for Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder with limited efficacy from existing medications and conventional neuromodulation therapies. In recent years, emerging neuromodulation techniques have demonstrated promising therapeutic potential. This review focuses on exploring the therapeutic value of transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for AD. We systematically review the evidence for these techniques in AD basic research and clinical practice, elucidating their unique mechanisms of action. The review further contrasts the advantages of TUS and VNS over traditional AD therapies and explores their potential for synergistic application with conventional treatments. Finally, we propose future research directions, including combined VNS and TUS treatment strategies based on complementary mechanisms, aiming to provide theoretical foundations for developing multi-targeted, personalized AD therapies. • Non-invasive neuromodulation therapies offer new hope for Alzheimer's disease. • Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation can target deep brain regions and may help clear pathological proteins. • Vagus Nerve Stimulation reduces brain inflammation and improves cognition. • These techniques provide advantages over drugs alone, such as broader mechanistic effects. • Combining both stimulation methods presents a promising multi-target treatment strategy.