Australian trial tests ultrasound therapy for Alzheimer's disease

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 00:15 · Archive

An 18-month Australian clinical trial will test whether therapeutic ultrasound can relieve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in 60 patients.

Australian biotech company Ceretas is starting an 18-month clinical trial of therapeutic ultrasound to treat Alzheimer's disease, testing the technology on 60 patients. The treatment stems from a decade of research at the University of Queensland's Brain Institute.

Therapeutic ultrasound works differently from diagnostic ultrasound, which takes images. Instead, it delivers low-intensity energy directly into the brain to restore plasticity that deteriorates with age and Alzheimer's progression. Similar technology is already used in physiotherapy to repair muscle damage and to improve tremors in Parkinson's patients. Ceretas Chief Executive Officer Rachel De Las Heras explained: 'We use ultrasound at a lower intensity that delivers a very specific amount of energy directly in the brain to restore the plasticity that stops working with age.'

In a phase-one trial of 12 Alzheimer's patients, ten showed improvement in behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, which can include irritability, depression, anxiety and hallucinations alongside memory and cognitive loss. If phase two proves successful, researchers will conduct a third trial before seeking approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration for commercial use. Ceretas Executive Director Tony Keating said the ultrasound had the potential to become disease-modifying, where memory and cognition could improve.

How it is being reported

• Australian clinical trial of ultrasound therapy brings new hope for Alzheimer’s patientsA promising new Australian clinical trial could mark a major step in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, and help patients stay home longer.The West Australian · 28 Oct, 23:57
• Australian clinical trial of ultrasound therapy brings new hope for Alzheimer’s patientsA promising new Australian clinical trial could mark a major step in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, and help patients stay home longer.Perth Now · 28 Oct, 23:57

In this story: Ceretas · University of Queensland · Rachel De Las Heras · Tony Keating · Australia · Therapeutic Goods Administration

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