New research shows that ultrasound technology can do more than just help doctors and medical professionals create images of what is happening beneath the skin. Teams in various places around the world have begun looking at ultrasound as a treatment method itself. So far, things are starting to look promising, especially when it comes to the treatment of certain brain diseases.
Yes, ultrasounds are usually used to help with imaging. They are one of the more heavily used tools when images of unborn babies are captured in utero. Ultrasounds can also be used to help doctors capture other images, such as muscles and tendons, organs, and the heart. But current research also supports ultrasound technology being used as a treatment in itself. Researchers found that when pulses of ultrasound were targeted at the brain, certain diseases could be treated effectively.
This research came from a team based at the Medical University of Vienna. Their technique works by improving brain functioning by externally targeting impacted neurons (brain cells) with pulses of ultrasound. When this happens, neurons that are impacted, but not dead, often see revitalized brain activity in that area. The team looked at diseases that involve neurodegeneration like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and found that although this wasn’t a cure for the diseases, it did have a positive impact on helping those impacted combat the spread of the disease.
Their findings were recently published in the journal, Advanced Science.
This type of treatment is not yet being widely used, but it is one step closer to happening. However, in some parts of the world, noninvasive ultrasound has already been approved for usage when it comes to helping alleviate the tremors associated with Parkinson’s. A team based out of Toronto has been on the forefront of this research. While the Viennese team did take a different approach in their study, it builds upon the Toronto teams work. The medical community has been looking at this for a few years now and their hard work is finally starting to gain international attention. There’s a bit more research that needs to happen before doctors will be able to use this type of treatment on a widespread basis. But the good news is that this current study is one step closer to that happening.
Whenever steps are made toward more effective treatment, everyone wins. Even if this type of treatment turns out to be completely unhelpful, it is progress. To paraphrase what Thomas Edison once said, it’s not a failure, it’s just not the right answer. Even setbacks help doctors and scientists understand how to better treat people.
Your loved ones might not yet have access to this type of treatment, but it’s only a matter of time before these methods grow in popularity, especially if they continue to show the progress that they have been.
Regardless of what happens on this front, it’s important that your older loved ones are connected with the right care to meet their needs. If you’re not sure how to make this happen, let us know. One of our care professionals can help you get started.
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