A team of researchers in South Korea has unveiled a promising new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that accounts for approximately 70% of dementia cases worldwide. This innovative technique, which utilizes high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), targets the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to deliver therapies that may help treat the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s disease is driven by the accumulation of amyloid beta plaques, harmful proteins that disrupt brain function. However, delivering drugs effectively to the brain has long been hindered by the protective, yet restrictive, blood-brain barrier. This breakthrough study shows that HIFU can open the BBB temporarily, allowing for potential treatments to address the buildup of amyloid plaques.
Research Team’s Groundbreaking Findings
On January 20, Korea University Anam Hospital announced that a research team led by Professor Jang Jin-woo of the hospital’s neurosurgery department, along with Professor Ye Byeong-seok from Severance Hospital’s neurology department and Professor Jang Kyung-won from Samsung Medical Center’s neurosurgery department, has demonstrated the safety and potential efficacy of HIFU in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Their findings were published in the January 2025 issue of the Journal of Neurosurgery.
The study involved six Alzheimer’s patients who underwent HIFU treatments at two-month intervals between June 2022 and July 2023. The team conducted comprehensive evaluations before and after each treatment, including assessments of amyloid plaque reduction and patient behavioral changes.
Results Show Promise for Alzheimer’s Treatment
The results revealed significant progress. Following the procedure, the BBB in the frontal lobe was temporarily opened by an average of 43.1 cm³ in all six patients. Additionally, amyloid beta plaques decreased in four of the patients, with an average reduction of 14.9 centiloids. More notably, behavioral improvements were observed in five out of six patients (83%). Using the Caregiver-Administered Neuropsychiatric Inventory (CGA-NPI), researchers noted a decrease in neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as delusions, anxiety, and irritability. The average score dropped from 6.3 to 2.8, suggesting a marked improvement in psychological and behavioral conditions.
Professor Jang Jin-woo commented on the findings, stating, “This study represents a partial confirmation of the blood-brain barrier opening technique’s potential to treat neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s.” He added, “We are hopeful that further clinical trials will allow us to refine this technique into a viable treatment strategy for clinical application.”
Support and Future Prospects
The research was conducted with the support of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation, USA. As the team prepares for additional clinical studies, the possibility of a breakthrough in Alzheimer’s treatment continues to grow. With further research and testing, this ultrasound technique may one day offer a revolutionary alternative to traditional methods of combating Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders.
This advancement highlights the growing potential of non-invasive treatments in the fight against Alzheimer’s, marking a new era for dementia care.
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