Memory disorders
You find yourself forgetting appointments more often, struggling to find the right words, or noticing that new information doesn't stick as well as it used to. Perhaps you are concerned because your memory isn't functioning the way it once did.
Memory disorders are problems with encoding, storing, or retrieving information.
They can have various causes, such as chronic stress, sleep disorders, concentration issues, or neurological conditions, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease.
Not every memory problem indicates dementia.
Scientific research shows that memory functions depend on the collaboration between different brain networks, including the hippocampus.
Neuromodulation offers new possibilities for specifically influencing the activity of these networks.
At BRAI3N, we combine neuroscience expertise with a personalized approach.
We investigate which factors contribute to your memory problems and whether neuromodulation could be a meaningful additional treatment option for you.
What is it?
How does our memory work?
Our memory allows us to take in information, remember experiences, and reuse previously acquired knowledge.
Three key processes play a role in this:
1. Encoding — taking in new information
When you hear, read, or experience something, your brain must first process the information. Attention and concentration play a major role in this.
When your attention is constantly distracted or your mental energy is limited, information cannot be absorbed as effectively.
2. Storage — retaining information
New memories are gradually recorded and strengthened through the collaboration of different brain regions.
The hippocampus, a structure deep within the brain, plays a particularly important role in forming and consolidating new memories.
3. Retrieval — finding information
When you try to recall a name, conversation, or event, various brain networks must work together to make previously stored information accessible again.
A disruption in any of these processes can cause memory problems.
What is the difference between short-term and long-term memory?
Theshort-term memoryholds information for a short period, usually a few seconds. Working memory helps us use that information temporarily, for example, when following a conversation or carrying out an instruction.
Thelong-term memorymakes it possible to store information for longer periods, from hours to many years. It includes memories of personal events, learned knowledge, and skills.
These memory functions are not located in one single brain region. They arise from the collaboration between various neural networks.
Which brain regions play an important role?
The hippocampus is essential for forming new memories. The parahippocampus, the posterior cingulate cortex, and various parts of the prefrontal cortex are also involved in memory processes.
These brain regions are part of larger functional networks that exchange information.
Research by Sven Vanneste and colleagues shows that in people with mild cognitive impairment, changes can occur in the communication between the posterior cingulate cortex and the parahippocampus.
These changes are associated with difficulties in recalling memories.
Memory problems can therefore be linked not only to changes in individual brain regions but also to impaired cooperation between brain networks.
This insight is important for the development of new neuromodulation techniques aimed at memory processes.
What causes memory disorders?
Memory problems can have various causes.
They occur in cases including:
- Chronic stress, burnout, and mental overload.
- Depression and anxiety disorders.
- Sleep disorders and persistent fatigue.
- Attention and concentration disorders, including ADHD.
- Hormonal changes.
- Certain medications, vitamin deficiencies, or other physical conditions.
- Brain injury and neurological conditions.
- Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.
Not every memory complaint means that dementia is present.
When might memory problems indicate dementia?
Some people experiencemild cognitive impairment(MCI).
In these cases, memory or other cognitive functions are demonstrably diminished compared to what is expected based on age and background, while the individual is still largely able to function independently.
In some cases, MCI can be a precursor to Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. However, this is not always the case.
Dementia typically involves progressive problems with memory and other cognitive functions, which increasingly impact one's ability to function independently in daily life.
A timely and thorough assessment is therefore important to determine the cause of memory problems and to begin appropriate support or treatment.
How to treat
First, understand why your memory is not functioning as well
An effective approach begins with investigating the cause of the memory problems.
After all, memory complaints caused by long-term stress, poor sleep, or attention problems require a different approach than memory disorders caused by a neurodegenerative condition.
That is why a medical evaluation is important. Depending on the symptoms, neurological examination, cognitive testing, blood work, or imaging may be indicated.
When a treatable cause is found, treating that takes priority.
Neuromodulation: new possibilities for influencing memory processes
Neuromodulation is a treatment approach that uses electrical or magnetic stimulation to influence the activity of nerves and brain networks.
For memory problems, our scientific research focuses on, among other things, networks involved in attention, storing new information, and recalling memories.
Researchers involved with BRAI3N have published several studies investigating how neuromodulation can influence these processes.
An interesting approach is the electrical stimulation of the greater occipital nerve, a nerve located at the back of the head.
Research indicates that this stimulation can influence the noradrenaline system and the cooperation between brain regions involved in memory, including the hippocampus.
In controlled studies, an improvement in certain memory performance was found in healthy adults. Positive results were also observed in cognitively healthy older participants.
In addition, research with targeted transcranial electrical stimulation (HD-tDCS) has shown that influencing certain brain networks can improve performance when retrieving previously learned information.
These scientific insights show that memory processes can be influenced and offer starting points for the further development of targeted neuromodulation.
Neuromodulation techniques are also being investigated for mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The results are promising, but there is not yet sufficient evidence that these techniques reliably slow or stop the underlying neurodegeneration.
A personalized approach at BRAI3N
At BRAI3N, we focus not only on the memory complaint itself, but also on the potential cause and the brain processes involved.
When a neuromodulation program is medically indicated, our approach can consist of four phases.
1. Assessment
We discuss your memory complaints, how they started, previous examinations, and their impact on your daily functioning.
Where appropriate, a qEEG measurement and analysis can provide additional information about the electrical activity and functional connectivity of brain networks.
A qEEG is not a standalone test for diagnosing dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
2. Targeted treatment
Based on the medical assessment, we determine which treatment or support is most appropriate.
When neuromodulation is considered, we discuss which technique may be relevant, the scientific evidence behind it, and the associated limitations or risks.
3. Stabilization
During any treatment program, we monitor changes in memory, attention, and daily functioning.
This allows us to assess whether the chosen approach sufficiently aligns with your complaints and expectations.
4. Maintenance
Depending on the cause and the progression of the symptoms, we evaluate what further support would be beneficial.
This may include cognitive training, adequate sleep, physical exercise, and ongoing medical follow-up.
Not every patient requires neuromodulation or follows the same path.
Discover the options for your memory complaints
Are you noticing that your memory is declining, that it is harder to retain information, or that concentration and memory are increasingly affecting your daily life?
At BRAI3N, we examine your complaints from a neuroscientific perspective and investigate whether additional neuromodulation could be relevant for your situation.
Contact us for a no-obligation consultation or to schedule an appointment
Scientific research on memory and neuromodulation
BRAI3N’s neuroscientific approach is partly based on scientific research into memory processes, neuroplasticity, and the interaction between brain networks.
Our research has contributed to international publications on memory functions and the potential of electrical stimulation to influence brain activity and memory performance.
Huang Y, Mohan A, McLeod SL, Luckey AM, Hart J Jr, Vanneste S. Polarity-specific high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation of the anterior and posterior default mode network improves remote memory retrieval.Brain Stimulation. 2021;14(4):1005–1014.
Read the article in the journal
Luckey AM, McLeod SL, Mohan A, Vanneste S. Potential role for peripheral nerve stimulation on learning and long-term memory: A comparison of alternating and direct current stimulations.Brain Stimulation. 2022;15(3):536–545.
Read the article in the journal
Promising Neurostimulation Routes for Targeting the Hippocampus to Improve Episodic Memory: A Review
Arulchelvan E, Vanneste S. Promising neurostimulation routes for targeting the hippocampus to improve episodic memory: A review.Brain Research. 2023;1815:148457.
Read the article in the journal
The Peripheral Effect of Direct Current Stimulation on Brain Circuits Involving Memory
Vanneste S, Mohan A, Yoo HB, Huang Y, Luckey AM, McLeod SL, et al. The peripheral effect of direct current stimulation on brain circuits involving memory.Science Advances. 2020;6(45).
Read the article in the journal
Arulchelvan E, Vanneste S. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation enhances episodic memory encoding via a noradrenaline-attention network, with associated neuroinflammatory changes.Brain Stimulation. 2025;18(1):191–207.
Read the article in the journal
Luckey AM, McLeod SL, Robertson IH, To WT, Vanneste S. Greater occipital nerve stimulation boosts associative memory in older individuals: A randomized trial.Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair. 2020;34(11):1020–1029.
Read the article in the journal
Vanneste S, Luckey A, McLeod SL, Robertson IH, To WT. Impaired posterior cingulate cortex–parahippocampus connectivity is associated with episodic memory retrieval problems in amnestic mild cognitive impairment.European Journal of Neuroscience. 2021;53(9):3125–3141.
Read the article in the journal
Modulating Phonological Working Memory With Anodal High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to the Anterior Portion of the Supplementary Motor Area
Berglund-Barraza A, Carey S, Hart J, Vanneste S, Evans JL. Modulating phonological working memory with anodal high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation to the anterior portion of the supplementary motor area.Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. 2023;66(6):2079–2094.
Read the article in the journal
Authored byProf. Dr. Sven Vanneste,Prof. Dr. Dirk De RidderandJan Ost- 10/09/2026
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