Johns Hopkins medical team first to perform experimental Alzheimer's treatment in U.S.

Doctors at Johns Hopkins University are experimenting with a breakthrough surgical procedure that will hopefully help combat Alzheimer’s disease.

According to a report by Johns Hopkins Medicine , doctors implanted one of the devices Thursday. The medical team at Johns Hopkins was the first to perform this surgery in the United States

The procedure involves placing a pacemaker of sorts on the brain. The device works similarly to a pacemaker for the heart but instead it stimulates the brain. The same procedure is used to battle Parkinson’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease robs its victims of their memory and ability to perform the most basic tasks.

The procedure is still in the experimental stage. At this point, the procedure has only appeared to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in people who are in the earliest stages of illness.