Neuralink Implant Enhances Communication for ALS Patient Brad Smith

Brad Smith, an Arizona resident with late-stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has experienced significant improvements in communication and daily activities following the implantation of a Neuralink brain-computer interface. Smith, who received the implant in November 2024, is the third human and the first non-verbal ALS patient to undergo this procedure ^[1][2].

The Neuralink device enables Smith to control a computer cursor using only his thoughts. This is achieved by detecting signals from the motor cortex, allowing him to type and communicate effectively ^[1][2]. Prior to the implant, Smith relied on an eye-tracking device, which was limited by environmental conditions and required dark settings ^[3][4].

With the Neuralink implant, Smith has regained the ability to engage in activities that were previously inaccessible. He can now attend his children’s soccer games, play video games such as Mario Kart, and travel outdoors ^[3][2]. Additionally, Smith uses an AI-cloned version of his pre-ALS voice to narrate videos and communicate, restoring his vocal presence ^[1][2].

The implant functions through ultra-thin electrode threads inserted into the motor cortex by a surgical robot. These threads capture neural signals when Smith imagines movements, such as those of his tongue or jaw, which are then decoded into cursor control ^[2][5]. Over time, Smith must recalibrate the system as his brain’s activity changes. Neuralink has recorded over 670 days and 4,900 hours of combined use across three trial participants, demonstrating the device’s durability beyond laboratory settings ^[2].

What Is Known

Smith’s ability to communicate and participate in daily activities has been significantly enhanced by the Neuralink implant. The device allows for thought-controlled cursor movements and the use of an AI-generated voice, offering a new level of interaction for non-verbal ALS patients ^[1][2][3].

What Remains Unclear

While the Neuralink implant has shown promising results for Smith, specific technical details, such as the exact number of electrodes and their firing rate, remain unconfirmed by multiple sources ^[4]. Additionally, claims regarding the use of specific AI tools for conversational responses have not been independently verified ^[4].