Ultrasound Brain Stimulation Reduces Amyloid Beta Plaque
The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology announced on Dec. 20 that it reduced amyloid beta plaque and improved brain connectivity in the lab rat model of 5xFAD using ultrasound brain stimulation.
The outcome of the research is highly meaningful in that amyloid beta in the brain tissue, which causes Alzheimer's disease, has been reduced using ultrasound and no drug. The drug-free and non-invasive approach is expected to result in a high level of clinical utilization.
The institute stimulated the brain of the rat with a 40 Hz gamma rhythm. The 14-day stimulation was given for two hours a day with the movement of the rat unhindered and an ultrasonic generator on the cranium of the rat. A decrease in amyloid beta in the brain was confirmed as a result.
In addition, the institute analyzed a change in brain waves before and after the stimulation. It confirmed an increase in brain waves in the 40 Hz band and an increase in phase-frequency coupling. This improvement in brain connectivity implies an improved brain function. Details of the research are available in the Translational Neurodegeneration journal.