The Neurostimulation Podcast #36: How Adenosine Bridges Rapid Antidepressant Therapies – Insights from Ketamine and ECT Research

Host: Dr. Michael Passmore, Clinical Associate Professor, UBC Psychiatry

Episode Summary: In this episode, Dr. Passmore explores groundbreaking research revealing how adenosine—a natural brain chemical—may be the key link between two of the fastest-acting antidepressant treatments: ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The discussion covers:

• The science behind adenosine’s role in mood regulation and how both ketamine and ECT trigger rapid antidepressant effects via adenosine pathways.
• Key findings from a recent Nature study using mouse models, including the necessity and sufficiency of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors for treatment response.
• The implications for clinical practice, including the potential impact of caffeine (which blocks adenosine) on treatment outcomes.
• Why standardizing caffeine intake may be important for patients undergoing ketamine or ECT therapy.
• The importance of translating preclinical findings into human studies and the need for further research.

Key Takeaways:

• Adenosine may act as a “common language” for rapid antidepressant effects in both ketamine and ECT.
• Caffeine could potentially interfere with these treatments by blocking adenosine receptors—patients and clinicians should be aware of this variable.
• The research is preclinical (in mice), but it lays the groundwork for future human studies and smarter, more targeted therapies.

Resources & Links:

• Extended data, figures, and the full research paper are linked in the show notes.
• For more information, check the episode’s resource section.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.

Connect & Share:

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share with friends or colleagues who might benefit. Join the conversation in the comments—your feedback helps shape future episodes!

Stay curious, and tune in next time for more insights into neuroscience, clinical neurostimulation, and interventional mental health.

Contact:

Questions, ideas, or feedback? Leave a comment or reach out via the podcast’s contact channels.

Transforming Mental Health: The Power of Neurostimulation and Innovative Therapies with Sam Peterson

In this episode of the Neurostimulation podcast, host Dr. Michael Passmore interviews Sam Peterson, a former army bomb technician and co-founder of Patriot Power Up, who now leads Mind Spa Denver. Sam shares his personal journey from battling PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI) to pioneering innovative mental health therapies. He explains the neurobiology of trauma, the impact of neuroinflammation, and the effectiveness of treatments like Ketamine, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in providing rapid relief and promoting neuroplasticity. The discussion highlights the importance of innovative, individualized approaches to mental health care for veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors, aiming to revolutionize treatment protocols and improve lives.

https://www.mindspadenver.com/

00:00 Introduction to Sam Peterson and His Mission

01:48 Sam's Journey from Battlefield to Mental Health Advocate

03:03 Understanding the Neurobiology of Trauma

04:39 The Role of Inflammation in Mental Health

12:36 Innovative Treatments at Mind Spa Denver

22:55 Success Stories and Future Vision

27:17 Challenges and Opportunities in Mental Health Care

36:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Exploring tACS: Current Research and Future Potentials in Neuropsychiatry

In this episode of the Neurostimulation Podcast, Dr. Michael Passmore hosts Dr. Osama Elyamani, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist. They discuss the emerging applications of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) in psychiatry, including its potential as a research tool and therapeutic intervention. They delve into the science of brain oscillations, the clinical evidence surrounding tACS, and future prospects in the field. Particular attention is given to the distinctions between tACS, TMS, and tDCS, as well as the limitations and safety considerations of these neurostimulation techniques. The conversation also touches on the significance of symptom-based approaches in psychiatric treatment and the potential for tACS to aid in diagnosing and treating disorders like depression and schizophrenia. Dr. Elyamani provides insights into ongoing research, future directions, and offers advice for young researchers entering the field.

Dr. Osama Elyamany (PhD) is currently a postdoctoral researcher and resident psychiatrist at the Centre of Psychiatry at Justus Liebig University Giessen.

He is working on research projects investigating brain oscillations in psychiatric disorders using EEG and fMRI, aiming to develop targeted therapies through pharmacological substances and neurostimulation techniques like tACS and TMS.

Email Address: [email protected]

Website: https://www.ukgm.de/ugm_2/deu/ugi_psy/ugi_psy_team.php

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-elyamany/

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:39 Dr. Elyamani's Background and Research Focus

02:54 Understanding Brain Oscillations and tACS

07:31 Comparing tACS with Other Neurostimulation Techniques

11:12 Potential Therapeutic Applications of tACS

20:42 Challenges and Future Directions in tACS Research

35:20 Safety and Practicality of tACS

41:10 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

Neurostimulation Podcast – Chapter 8: Stimulation Parameters and Their Reporting

Host: Dr. Michael Passmore, Clinical Associate Professor, UBC

Episode Overview: In this episode, Dr. Passmore unpacks Chapter 8 of the "Practical Guide to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)" textbook, focusing on the critical role of stimulation parameters and the importance of transparent reporting in tDCS research and clinical practice.

Key Topics Covered:

• What are stimulation parameters in tDCS?
• Electrode size, shape, material, and placement (montage)
• Current intensity, polarity, and density
• Duration and ramping protocol
• Contextual factors (e.g., task during stimulation, number of sessions)
• Why reporting parameters matters:
• Ensures reproducibility and comparability of studies
• Prevents misinterpretation of results due to hidden variables
• Builds trust and transparency in the field
• Challenges in the parameter space:
• Vast combinations of settings make standardization difficult
• Inter-individual variability (e.g., skull thickness, brain anatomy) affects outcomes
• Practical guidelines for reporting:
• Use standardized coordinate systems for placement
• Report all relevant details, including tolerability and side effects
• Treat parameter reporting as a checklist for every study or clinical report
• The bottom line:
• Parameters are the "recipe" for tDCS
• Small differences can lead to big changes in outcomes
• Transparent, consistent reporting is essential for scientific progress and patient safety

Notable Quotes:

• “Without the full recipe, you can’t reproduce the results.”
• “The details aren’t just technicalities—they are the science.”

Next Episode Teaser:

• A look ahead to Chapter 9: How computational modeling helps make sense of the complex parameter space and moves the field toward personalized dosing.

Call to Action:

• Share the episode with colleagues or anyone interested in neurostimulation.
• Leave comments, questions, or topic suggestions for future episodes.

Thank you for listening to the Neurostimulation Podcast!

Neurostimulation Podcast – Aug 30, 2025

Guests: Professor Bernhard Hommel & Professor Lorenza Colzato

Host: Dr. Michael Passmore

Episode Overview:

In this episode, Dr. Passmore is joined by Professors Hommel and Colzato to discuss their recent research on metacontrol—the brain’s ability to balance persistence and flexibility—and how it can be modulated using paired anodal tDCS and methylphenidate. The conversation explores the implications of reducing cortical noise, the significance of the aperiodic EEG exponent, and the potential for individualized, biomarker-guided neurostimulation treatments.

Key Topics:

Definition and importance of metacontrol in cognitive function

The spectrum between persistence and flexibility in the brain

Individual variability in cognitive control and its clinical relevance

The study: combining anodal tDCS over the right inferior frontal cortex with methylphenidate

Findings: reduction in cortical noise during task processing, indexed by a rise in the aperiodic EEG exponent (especially at fCZ)

Implications for ADHD, OCD, and other disorders affecting attention and cognitive control

The need for replication and standardization before clinical application

Cultural differences in treatment approaches (pharmacological vs. neurostimulation)

The future of personalized, feedback-driven neurostimulation and neurofeedback

Takeaways:

Metacontrol is a modifiable brain function, not just an abstract concept.

Combined tDCS and methylphenidate can reduce cortical noise during tasks, with the aperiodic exponent as a promising EEG marker.

The path to clinical application will require safety, individualization, and further research.

Links & Resources:

Study in Brain Stimulation Journal:

https://www.brainstimjrnl.com/article/S1935-861X(25)00081-6/fulltext

Additional lab content and resources:

https://www.bernhard-hommel.eu/en

The Metacontrol Lab YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/@metacontrol-2024

Disclaimer:

This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not attempt brain stimulation or drug-device combinations outside of supervised clinical research.

Connect:

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave your questions or comments below. Let us know what topics you’d like to hear about in future episodes!

Show Notes: The Neurostimulation Podcast – Episode #30 with Dr. Jennifer Rodger

Guest: Dr. Jennifer Rodger, Professor at the University of Western Australia and Head of the Brain Plasticity Research Group at the Perron Institute

Release Date: August 2, 2025

Episode Overview:

In this episode, host Michael Passmore sits down with Dr. Jennifer Rodger, a leading neuroscientist whose lab is pioneering research into the mechanisms and safety of low-intensity, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), especially in the developing brain.

Dr. Rodger shares her unique journey from biochemistry to neuroscience, her initial skepticism about TMS, and how her team’s animal model research is helping to unravel the effects and potential of rTMS in both clinical and research settings. The conversation covers:

The challenges and breakthroughs in miniaturizing TMS coils for animal studies

Key findings from recent studies on rTMS in adolescent mice, including effects on brain plasticity and behavior

The translational bridge between animal research and human clinical applications, especially for youth and neurodevelopmental disorders

The importance of safety, evidence-based innovation, and publishing negative results in scientific research

The future of tailored neurostimulation protocols and the need for collaboration across labs and disciplines

Key Takeaways:

rTMS shows promise for treating neuropsychiatric conditions in youth, but careful, long-term research is essential to ensure safety and efficacy.

Animal models provide valuable insights into the mechanisms and potential risks of neurostimulation, especially during critical developmental windows.

Publishing negative results is crucial for scientific progress and helps guide future research directions.

The field of neurostimulation is rapidly evolving, with opportunities for more personalized and integrated treatment approaches.

Resources & Links:

Dr. Rodger’s lab and research group:

https://brainplasticitylab.org/

https://www.perroninstitute.org/research/research-groups/jennifer-rodger/

https://www.perroninstitute.org/research/our-focus-areas/brain-plasticity/

Recent publications and studies discussed:

Our first low intensity rTMS paper is:

Rodger J, Mo C, Wilks T, Dunlop SA, Sherrard RM. Transcranial pulsed magnetic field stimulation facilitates reorganization of abnormal neural circuits and corrects Behavioral deficits without disrupting normal connectivity. FASEB J. 2012 Apr;26(4):1593-606. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22223750/

Description of miniaturised coil design:

Tang AD, Lowe AS, Garrett AR, Woodward R, Bennett W, Canty AJ, Garry MI, Hinder MR, Summers JJ, Gersner R, Rotenberg A, Thickbroom G, Walton J, Rodger J. Construction and Evaluation of Rodent-Specific rTMS Coils. Front Neural Circuits. 2016 Jun 30;10:47. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27445702/

An exhaustive recent review of low intensity rTMS:

Moretti J, Rodger J. A little goes a long way: Neurobiological effects of low intensity rTMS and implications for mechanisms of rTMS. Curr Res Neurobiol. 2022 Feb 23;3:100033. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36685761/

The work exploring rTMS and endogenous brain activity:

Poh EZ, Green C, Agostinelli L, Penrose-Menz M, Karl AK, Harvey AR, Rodger J. Manipulating the Level of Sensorimotor Stimulation during LI-rTMS Can Improve Visual Circuit Reorganisation in Adult Ephrin-A2A5-/- Mice. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Feb 22;23(5):2418. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35269561/

The recent paper about rTMS in adolescent mice is:

Tomar M, Pow JJ, Penrose-Menz MA, Beros JL, Miljevic A, Meloni B, Rodger J. Low intensity rTMS in adolescent mice affects visuomotor behaviour with no impact on visual topography. Brain Stimul. 2025 May-Jun;18(3):965-974. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40306617/

NB: All research involving animal models was conducted with institutional research ethics board review and approval.

Additional reading on rTMS and neurostimulation:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/about/pac-20384625

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17827-transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-tms

Connect with Us:

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. Share your questions or comments below, and check out the show notes for links to Dr. Rodger’s work and related resources.

Stay tuned for more conversations at the intersection of neuroscience, innovation, and clinical practice!

The Neurostimulation Podcast – Exploring the science, therapies, and future of brain health.

Deep Dive into tDCS Methodology: Key Considerations and Protocol Designs

In this episode of The Neurostimulation Podcast, we review chapter seven of the Practical Guide to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), which focuses on the methodological considerations for selecting tDCS protocols and devices. We discuss important factors such as electrode size and placement, stimulation intensity and duration, and the timing of tDCS sessions. The episode also covers the decision-making framework for clinicians, population-specific adjustments, and the comparison between clinic-based and home-based device use. The role of behavioral tasks during tDCS and the importance of methodological rigor in tDCS research and clinical practice are emphasized. Listeners are encouraged to understand the crucial elements of proper tDCS setup to ensure effective and replicable results.

00:00 Introduction to Chapter Seven Review

01:17 Importance of Methodology in tDCS

01:57 tDCS Decision Matrix

02:44 Defining Research and Therapy Goals

03:25 Key Variables in Protocol Design

05:11 Standalone vs. Adjunctive tDCS

06:16 Population-Specific Considerations

07:41 Clinic-Based vs. Home-Based Device Use

09:13 Session Frequency and Repetition

10:39 Integration with Behavioral Tasks

11:15 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Neurostimulation Podcast – Chapter 6: tDCS Safety – Myths, Evidence, and Best Practices

Episode Overview:

In this episode, host Dr. Michael Passmore explores Chapter 6 of the "Practical Guide to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: Principles, Procedures, and Applications." The focus is on the safety of tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation), addressing common myths, reviewing the latest research, and outlining best practices for both clinical and home use.

Key Topics Covered:

Introduction to tDCS safety and the framework for evaluation

Distinction between adverse events and adverse effects

Review of evidence from over 33,000 tDCS sessions and 1,000+ individuals

Insights from animal studies and their relevance to human safety

Risk assessment protocols in both animal and human studies

Safety considerations for vulnerable populations (children, stroke survivors, epilepsy, individuals with implants)

Home use of tDCS: evidence, compliance, and telehealth supervision

Debunking common myths about tDCS safety:

Myth 1: tDCS hasn’t been tested long enough

Myth 2: tDCS is dangerous for older adults

Myth 3: tDCS can cause permanent brain damage

Common mild side effects and how to prevent them

Real-world safety guidelines and recommendations for practitioners and researchers

The importance of ongoing vigilance, ethics, and future directions in tDCS safety research

Takeaway Message:

When applied responsibly and following evidence-based protocols, tDCS is one of the safest forms of neuromodulation available today. Home use is safe under supervision, and vulnerable groups can be included with tailored protocols. Ongoing research and monitoring will continue to refine best practices.

Resources & Links:

"Practical Guide to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: Principles, Procedures, and Applications"

For questions, comments, or topic suggestions, leave a comment below or reach out via the podcast’s contact page.

Connect with Us:

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review! Share this episode with colleagues, patients, or anyone interested in the science and safety of tDCS.

Stay Curious, Stay Informed!

Aging with Independence and Innovation: Jennifer Cain Birkmose on the Future of Senior Care

In this episode of the Neurostimulation Podcast, host Michael Passmore discusses senior care innovations with guest Jennifer Cain Birkmose. Jennifer, a pioneering entrepreneur and global health leader, co-founded Viva Valet, a concierge-style service aimed at helping seniors live independently at home for as long as possible. The platform offers comprehensive services including in-home adjustments, technology integration, and safety checks. The episode touches on Jennifer’s methodologies, such as using ethnographic research and involving seniors in beta testing, to ensure user-friendly design. Additionally, Jennifer shares insights from her role as a UN advisor on aging and technology and emphasizes the importance of respect, agency, and social connections in senior care. The conversation concludes with a vision for the future of aging, highlighting the expected societal shifts as the senior population grows.

Check out Jennifer's senior's care & support services at Viva Valet https://www.vivavalet.com

00:00 Introduction to the Neurostimulation Podcast

01:38 Meet Jennifer Cain Birkmose: Innovator in Senior Services

04:26 The Viva Valet Platform: Revolutionizing Senior Independence

06:25 Challenges and Solutions in Senior Care

11:16 User Experience and Technology Integration

27:00 Combating Fraud and Ensuring Safety for Seniors

33:55 Global Advocacy and Future Directions

38:24 Understanding Customer Needs and Bridging Gaps

38:46 Resources and Initiatives at Viva Valet

39:43 Global Aging and Cultural Commonalities

40:24 The Importance of Agency and Independence

44:04 Aging with Reverence and Play

45:19 Improv and Its Impact on Older Adults

54:48 Future Predictions for Aging by 2035

01:01:55 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

01:08:13 Podcast Outro and Call to Action

Understanding tDCS: Neurophysiological Insights and Clinical Applications | Neurostimulation Podcast

In this episode of the Neurostimulation Podcast, hosted by Michael Passmore, we delve into Chapter 5 of the 'Practical Guide to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation.' The episode explores how tDCS modulates neurophysiological and functional outcomes. We discuss the neurophysiological principles behind tDCS, including various methods like TMS, EEG, fMRI, and PET for measuring its effects. The importance of state-dependent neuromodulation and personalized treatment through computational modeling is also highlighted. Finally, the episode examines the clinical implications of tDCS in conditions like stroke recovery, depression, and Alzheimer's disease. Tune in to understand how tDCS is shaping neuroscience and clinical practices.

00:00 Introduction to the Neurostimulation Podcast

00:47 Exploring Chapter Five of the tDCS Textbook

01:52 Understanding Neurophysiological Outcomes

02:34 Tools for Measuring tDCS Effects

03:41 Regional and Network Effects of tDCS

05:16 State-Dependent Neuromodulation

06:36 Modeling and Personalized Treatment

07:23 Connecting Brain Changes to Behavior

08:19 Challenges and Clinical Implications

09:07 Conclusion and Future Directions