Cognitive neural prosthetics – the way from experiment to clinical application

Abstract

Accepted: September 3, 2021. Objective of this review is to highlight some aspects of the development and use of cognitive neuroprostheses, such as the technological background for their developing and key modern projects in this field. The literature sources were analyzed and the place of neuroprostheses among other artificial organs and tissues, which are under development or already used in clinical practice, was defined. The main principles of their implementation, structural elements and operating conditions were described. Also, this review presents some examples of diseases which can be corrected by cognitive neuroprostheses. The mechanisms of compensation for the functions of the damaged brain structures when using neuroprostheses are described on the basis of the principles of their interaction with biological neural networks. Descriptions of advanced developments that are currently relevant are given. Moreover, information is provided on the protocols and results of tests on animals and humans of the artificial hippocampus, as well as the results of testing a prosthesis that allows restoring the functions of the prefrontal cortex in animals. The examples considered in the review allow us to conclude that cognitive neuroprostheses are not just a hypothetic concept. They are implemented as specialized experimental solutions for practical clinical issues. Currently, the greatest success has been achieved in restoring the hippocampus functions.

Keywords

• neuroprosthetics
• hippocampus
• neuroengineering
• cognitive neural prostheses
• brain-computer interface
• neurointerface