Focused transcranial ultrasound for treatment of neurodegenerative dementia

IntroductionPreclinical studies support investigation of focused ultrasound for breakdown of cerebral pathologies in neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). MethodsA focused transcranial Doppler device with probes (2MHz, 520mW/cm(2)) affixed bilaterally was used to target the hippocampus (AD) or substantia nigra (PD) with functional magnetic resonance imaging navigation for enhanced plaque removal. A total of 22 patients (n=11 AD, n=11 PD) underwent 8 consecutive, weekly, 1-hour treatments wherein sleep was encouraged naturally or pharmacologically. Cognitive and motor functioning assessment was carried out using standardized evaluations at baseline and conclusion. ResultsOf all, 62.5% of patients had one or more improved cognitive scores without data incongruence, 87% had stable or improved fine motor scores, and 87.5% had stable or improved gross motor scores. No adverse events were reported. DiscussionThe safety of focused transcranial Doppler and possible enhancement in patient functioning were suggested by outcome data.