Using Ultrasound to Help the Brain’s Defenses in Alzheimer’s Disease

This project explores whether focused ultrasound can safely stimulate brain processes to clear amyloid plaques and boost blood flow, offering potential treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease.

As the population ages, Alzheimer’s disease cases are increasing, and a buildup in the brain of a harmful protein, called amyloid beta (Aß), is a key factor. Current treatments to reduce Aß levels are costly and can cause serious side effects, including brain bleeding. This study explores ultrasound as a safe, non-invasive way to help brain immune cells, called microglia, clear these proteins: ultrasound activates microglia, restoring their ability to clean the brain, and this promising method could offer a more effective and affordable treatment for Alzheimer’s.

The project uniquely targets the PIEZO1 mechanosensitive ion channel, which may act as a key link between mechanical stimulation from ultrasound and enhanced amyloid clearance by microglia. Unlike existing treatments, this approach seeks to use ultrasound alone, without drugs, to stimulate the brain’s natural cleaning and repair systems. The integration of precise ultrasound modelling, advanced imaging, and genetic tools provides a novel framework for developing non-invasive therapies for Alzheimer’s.

If successful, this work could lead to a safe, drug-free therapy to slow or reduce Alzheimer’s disease progression, making treatment more accessible and cost-effective. For the research field, it will establish detailed guidelines and a mechanistic understanding for using ultrasound as a neuromodulation and clearance tool. Ultimately, the findings could inspire new clinical trials and expand ultrasound-based interventions for other brain diseases.