Scanning ultrasound technology has been shown to be safe and well tolerated in people with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a first-in-human pilot study led by University of Queensland researchers.
The study, published in Brain Communications, involved 12 participants with Alzheimer’s disease who were divided into groups to test different levels of ultrasound stimulation. The primary aim was to assess safety, and researchers found the procedure was fast, safe and well tolerated by all participants.
Professor Peter Nestor from the Queensland Brain Institute’s Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research said the findings marked an important milestone in the development of the new technology.
“We found it was fast, safe and well tolerated, which is very encouraging and opens the door to further human studies,” Professor Nestor said.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, currently affecting more than 480,000 Australians. Without major scientific breakthroughs, that number is projected to rise to 6.4 million over the next 40 years.
While the study was not designed to test effectiveness, researchers observed early signs that scanning ultrasound may help with some behavioural symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Professor Nestor said these preliminary signals would be investigated further in a new clinical trial.
Professor Jürgen Götz said it was too early to draw conclusions about clinical benefits, but some caregivers reported reduced agitation among participants following treatment.
“Further trials in a larger group of participants will be needed before we can determine whether scanning ultrasound can improve dementia symptoms,” Professor Götz said.
The research team worked closely with design and engineering specialists to develop a fit-for-purpose ultrasound device. Planning is now underway for the next phase of clinical trials.