Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is commonly used for taking pictures inside of the body, particularly of the brain. However, researchers have long suspected that it can be used to do a lot more than just take pictures. They believe it might play a larger role in the healthcare process.
One way that they think this could happen is through manipulating the blood-brain barrier. Researchers recently found that the magnetic field that an MRI creates has the ability to open the blood-brain barrier, allowing improved treatment of brain diseases such as Parkinson’s, ALS, Alzheimer’s, and more.
The blood-brain barrier is part of the central nervous system and is geared toward immunological responses within this system. It blocks viruses, bacteria, and fungi from gaining access to the brain through the circulatory system. Composed of many different types of cells, the blood-brain barrier is a unique part of the body, one that is not as well understood as other parts of the body are. As such, it provides researchers with a lot of opportunity when it comes to finding future advancements in health care. A lot more research is needed here if doctors are going to be able to fully take advantage of the health benefits that might be present in this line of research.
This new line of research is important because it shows that the blood-brain barrier can be manipulated in size, allowing certain types of medications to be more effective when it comes to treating disease within the brain. Not only does the blood-brain barrier keep harmful microorganisms out of the brain, it also can keep helpful medications out, too. By increasing the size of the blood-brain barrier with an MRI, there is more potential that medications can be used to help treat illness and disease within the brain.
Just what this might look like is still unclear. The above mentioned study took place on mouse models and hasn’t yet been tested on humans completely. Additionally, it’s still unclear which types of brain disease will be most effectively treated using this method. Either way, this research was about the potential of expanding treatments, and that was a great success.
Many of the brain diseases that are treated through the blood-brain barrier do not have cures. Although expanding this opening and allowing for better and more intensive treatment can help the short term prognosis for these patients, it is not a cure. Those who suffer from Alzheimer’s or ALS still have a long and difficult road ahead of them and ultimately, they will pass away because of these diseases.
But steps forward like this are helpful. They might not be a cure, but it brings us one step closer. There’s a chance that this new step forward with understanding MRIs might lead to a cure down the road. There’s still a lot of research needed.
If you’re looking for senior care for someone with a brain disease, give us a call. We’d love to help. Our professionals specialize in various types of care, including memory care.
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