Low-intensity ultrasound explored as treatment for vascular dementia

Taiwan researchers say they''ve found a potential therapy for vascular dementia. Vascular dementia occurs when blood flow to the brain is reduced, killing off brain cells and causing cognitive problems. During experiments on mice, researchers found that they could stimulate new brain cells to grow, by applying repeated doses of low-intensity ultrasound. Formosa News reporter Stephany Yang has more.

Vascular dementia commonly affects the elderly, and it often leads to behavior disorder and cognitive impairment. There is currently no known cure. However, a Taiwanese research team has discovered a promising direction toward an effective, non-invasive treatment. They’re testing the potential of a transcranial low-intensity ultrasound.

Chen Wen-shiang
National Taiwan University Hospital
Vascular dementia is a very common thing. A big stroke can cause muscle weakness in the arms and legs. Many cases involve minor strokes, which affect parts of the brain, causing the loss of memory and dementia. But if you apply a constant stimulus to your brain, you may be able to regenerate brain cells.

A Taiwanese research team found that repeated low-intensity ultrasound exposure could stimulate the development of new brain cells in mice.

Wang Jaw-lin
National Taiwan University
We made several large discoveries. First, we discovered that micro-energy ultrasound has clinical applications. What is the mechanism behind the process – that’s the second discovery. Our third finding is that it is indeed true that new neurons can grow in specific parts of the brain.

The team has plans to conduct human trials in the future. Their findings were published in the international journal “eLife.”