Researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia appear to have made a breakthrough in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, which is drug-free and based upon the use of ultrasound. The disease process in Alzheimer’s involves the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain that destroy synapses, resulting in the symptoms of memory loss and decreased cognitive function. The researchers have experimented with the use of ultrasound to break apart the amyloid plaques.
Professor Jurgen Grotz of the team: “the treatment uses relatively inexpensive ultrasound and microbubble technology which is non-invasive and appears highly effective.” Human trials are at least two years away.