Open AccessFocused transcranial ultrasound for treatment of neurodegenerative dementia
Author(s) -
Nicodemus Natalie Eleanor,
Becerra Sergio,
Kuhn Taylor P.,
Packham Hannah R.,
Duncan John,
Mahdavi Kennedy,
Iovine Jessica,
Kesari Santosh,
Pereles Scott,
Whitney Mike,
Mamoun Michael,
Franc Daniel,
Bystritsky Alexander,
Jordan Sheldon
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia: translational research and clinical interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.49
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 2352-8737
DOI - 10.1016/j.trci.2019.06.007
Subject(s) - transcranial doppler , dementia , medicine , parkinson's disease , magnetic resonance imaging , hippocampus , neuroscience , disease , physical medicine and rehabilitation , radiology , psychology
Preclinical studies support investigation of focused ultrasound for breakdown of cerebral pathologies in neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods A focused transcranial Doppler device with probes (2 MHz, 520 mW/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. Results Of 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. Discussion The safety of focused transcranial Doppler and possible enhancement in patient functioning were suggested by outcome data.