Researchers at the University of Queensland have been exploring the potential of ultrasound technology in treating Alzheimer’s disease. After over a decade of research on transgenic mouse models, they discovered that ultrasound can enhance cognitive function in these models without the need to clear amyloid plaques, which are key indicators of Alzheimer’s.
The team, led by Professor Jürgen Götz from UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute, conducted a clinical trial to assess the impact of low-intensity ultrasound on Alzheimer’s patients. With the global increase in Alzheimer’s cases expected due to aging populations, finding effective treatments is crucial.
While the recent FDA approval of amyloid-beta antibodies for early-stage Alzheimer’s is a positive step, the challenge lies in delivering these antibodies effectively to the brain. Professor Götz believes that ultrasound may offer a solution by enhancing the delivery of antibodies and other drugs to the brain.
The research began in 2012 when Professor Götz started investigating ultrasound as a treatment method. By combining low-intensity ultrasound with microbubbles to open the blood-brain barrier, the team observed a reduction in amyloid plaques in the brain, leading to improved memory and learning abilities in mice.
Further experiments showed that the ultrasound treatment, even without microbubbles, could enhance cognitive function in mice, challenging the conventional belief that clearing amyloid plaques is necessary for cognitive improvement in Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Gerhard Leinenga, a postdoctoral fellow working with Professor Götz, highlighted that ultrasound stimulation may activate neurons and glia in the brain, potentially enhancing connectivity and plasticity. This discovery opens up new possibilities for Alzheimer’s treatment strategies.
The team’s findings suggest that reevaluating the relationship between amyloid-beta and cognition could lead to innovative approaches in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Professor Götz envisions a future where a combination of therapeutic strategies targeting both amyloid plaques and cognitive resilience could offer promising outcomes.
As researchers delve deeper into the mechanisms behind ultrasound’s effects on brain function, the potential of ultrasound technology in Alzheimer’s treatment continues to show promise. The ongoing exploration of ultrasound as a non-invasive and potentially effective treatment avenue for Alzheimer’s disease signifies a significant advancement in neuroscientific research.
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