Ultrasound and light therapies to be used in bid to investigate Alzheimer's and dementia treatments

Scientists will look at whether treatment can be delivered to the brain via specialised ‘microbubbles’. The researchers believe the cure for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and dementia could lie in the use of non-invasive techniques

A unique study will use ultrasound and light therapies to investigate targeted treatment of Alzheimer's, dementia and Parkinson's disease.

Scientists at Nottingham Trent University will look at whether treatment can be delivered to the brain via specialised ‘microbubbles’. The researchers believe the cure for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and dementia could lie in the use of non-invasive techniques.

They hope the tiny bubbles can open the body's protective blood brain barrier and allow the medication inside to pass through.
The blood brain barrier prevents harmful substances and toxins from reaching the brain.

But this also means that potentially important treatments for these diseases are prevented from reaching the brain. Researchers hope the barrier can be temporarily opened to allow stem cell therapies to cross, and repair and reverse the damage in the brain.

The ultrasound would be used with MRI so that the physiological effect in the brain could be monitored in real-time. Scientists involved in the first-of-its kind study are also investigating the potential for using light particles.

They hope the particles will give a boost of energy to the cells in the brain so they can heal naturally and effectively as quickly as possible.

Data suggests there are more than 944,000 people in the UK who have dementia. It is estimated that by 2030, there will be more than one million people in the UK with dementia.