γ neuromodulations: unraveling biomarkers for neurological and psychiatric disorders

Mil Med Res. 2025 Jun 27;12(1):32. doi: 10.1186/s40779-025-00619-x.

Abstract

γ neuromodulation has emerged as a promising strategy for addressing neurological and psychiatric disorders, particularly in regulating executive and cognitive functions. This review explores the latest neuromodulation techniques, focusing on the critical role of γ oscillations in various brain disorders. Direct γ neuromodulation induces γ-frequency oscillations to synchronize disrupted brain networks, while indirect methods influence γ oscillations by modulating cortical excitability. We investigate how monitoring dynamic features of γ oscillations allows for detailed evaluations of neuromodulation effectiveness. By targeting γ oscillatory patterns and restoring healthy cross-frequency coupling, interventions may alleviate cognitive and behavioral symptoms linked to disrupted communication. This review examines clinical applications of γ neuromodulations, including enhancing cognitive function through 40 Hz multisensory stimulation in Alzheimer's disease, improving motor function in Parkinson's disease, controlling seizures in epilepsy, and modulating emotional dysfunctions in depression. Additionally, these neuromodulation strategies aim to regulate excitatory-inhibitory imbalances and restore γ synchrony across neurological and psychiatric disorders. The review highlights the potential of γ oscillations as biomarkers to boost restorative results in clinical applications of neuromodulation. Future studies might focus on integrating multimodal personalized protocols, artificial intelligence (AI) driven frameworks for neural decoding, and global multicenter collaborations to standardize and scale precision treatments across diverse disorders.

Keywords: Cross frequency coupling; Deep brain stimulation (DBS); Neurological disorders; Neuromodulation; Psychiatric disorders; Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS); γ oscillations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers* / analysis
  • Biomarkers* / blood
  • Gamma Rhythm* / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders* / physiopathology
  • Mental Disorders* / therapy
  • Nervous System Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Nervous System Diseases* / physiopathology
  • Nervous System Diseases* / therapy

Substances

  • Biomarkers