Public Perceptions of Neurotechnologies Used to Target Mood, Memory, and Motor Symptoms.
Authors: Furrer RA, Merner AR, Stevens I, Zuk P, Williamson T, Shen FX, Lázaro-Muñoz G
Public attitudes toward four neurotechnologies for treating three types of brain disorders (mood, motor, and memory) vary on a range of metrics such as perceived risk, invasiveness, and likelihood of use. In a survey of 1,052 U.S. participants, deep brain stimulation (DBS) was seen as the most invasive and risky among the surveyed methods, involving the greatest perceived change to the person and the least likely to be used personally. Non-surgical options like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and pills were viewed as more acceptable. Devices targeting motor symptoms were rated as more beneficial and acceptable than those for mood or memory. These findings highlight barriers to adoption and the need to address public perceptions, ensure patients are informed, and promote ethical implementation of these technologies.
Introduction
Purpose
Other
Study Objective
To assess U.S. public attitudes toward four neurotechnologies for treating mood, motor, and memory disorders, evaluating perceived risk, invasiveness, and likelihood of use.
Animal model / Human subject
Homo sapiens; strain: N/A; age: Not reported (survey of 1,052 U.S. participants); sex: Not reported
Disease model
mood disorders (e.g., depression), motor disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease), and memory disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's disease)
Route of administration
Oral (pills); Transcranial (TMS, non-invasive magnetic stimulation); Intracranial/surgical implantation (DBS electrodes)
Outcomes and Safety
Summary of Outcomes
Surveyed U.S. participants rated deep brain stimulation (DBS) as the most invasive, risky, and least likely to be used personally, whereas non-surgical options (transcranial magnetic stimulation and pills) and treatments targeting motor symptoms were viewed as more acceptable and beneficial; no focused ultrasound parameters were tested.
Safety-related matter
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) was perceived as the most invasive and risky, causing the greatest perceived change to the person and being the least likely to be used, while non-surgical options (TMS, pills) were viewed as more acceptable. The authors highlight the need to address public perceptions, ensure patients are informed, and promote ethical implementation to mitigate safety and acceptance concerns.
Brain Region
Ultrasound Parameters
Focal Characteristics
Focal depth: None; Focal length: None; Aperture size: None
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