Can Ultrasound can be used to fight Alzheimers

Ultrasound Can be Used to Fight Alzheimer’s Name Institution Instructor Course Date Ultrasound Can be Used to Fight Alzheimer’s Ultrasound as a Therapeutic Approach for Alzheimer's Disease Scientists use ultrasound to combat Alzheimer's disease by temporarily opening the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The barrier protects the brain from toxins and prevents most drugs from reaching areas of damage. Researchers use ultrasound waves combined with microbubbles to create temporary openings in the BBB, allowing drugs or the body's processes to clear toxic protein plaques linked to Alzheimer's. In clinical trials, MRI scans ensured the safe closure of the BBB within 24 hours, reducing risks. Initial results show that ultrasound alone can clear amyloid plaques and restore memory function. While long-term effects are unknown, patients like Judy Pollock report cognitive improvement (PBS NewsHour, 2020). If successful, this non-invasive technique has the potential to revolutionize Alzheimer's treatment by making drug delivery possible or making medication unnecessary altogether. The Pros and Cons of Using Ultrasound on the Brain One benefit of using ultrasound on the brain is that it can temporarily open the blood-brain barrier, allowing drugs to reach brain tissue. Since most drugs cannot naturally cross the blood-brain barrier, it is hard to treat conditions like Alzheimer's. Secondly, ultraso...