Australia (Commonwealth Union)_ Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German scientist, initially discovered Alzheimer’s disease when he noted unusual activity in one of his patients, Auguste Deter, with symptoms such as loss of memory, disorientation and hallucinations up until her death. Dr. Alzheimer’s significant observations is what is known today as amyloid plaques. Alzheimer’s disease is currently one of the most common non-communicable diseases along with cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. An innovative new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, formed at The University of Queensland (UQ), is presently undergoing trials in Brisbane, Australia.
A safety trial is underway with the participation of 12 individuals in the culmination of a period of 10 years of continuing studies led by Professor Jürgen Götz at the UQ Queensland Brain Institute (QBI). Professor Götz indicated that the research was a significant move in exploring the possibility of ultrasound being safely delivered, following pioneering discoveries regarding its possible application to enhance memory function.
“There is currently no effective treatment for Alzheimer’s, so it is hugely rewarding that we could in the future potentially treat the disease with ultrasound,” he said.
Researcher and neurologist, Professor Peter Nestor is currently overseeing the 12-month trial that is presently underway at the Mater Hospital Brisbane and UQ. Professor Nestor stated that they are treating a part of the back of the brain in the early days of Alzheimer’s disease and further stated that each individual’s 4 treatments are given fortnightly, and once the course is finished an MRI brain scan is performed as well as a repeat cognitive test.
Innovation Minister Stirling Hinchliffe stated that the Queensland Government was a foundation backer of QBI and its study, further stating that through their Advance Queensland initiative, they have invested $5 million in QBI to form and trial a prototype ultrasound device for dementia treatment. “The small safety trial starting now brings QBI one step closer to a potential world dementia treatment breakthrough, made and developed in Queensland,” Mr. Hinchliffe said.
“QBI is one of a growing number of Queensland innovators transforming great ideas and research into the good Queensland jobs of the future economy,” the Minister added. “Our Advance Queensland Innovation for a Future Economy 2022–2032 roadmap is Queensland’s time to shine on the world stage.”
QBI researchers have collaborated with design and engineering teams to bring about a fit-for-purpose ultrasound device for clinical application in the trial.
QBI Director Professor Pankaj Sah expressed his optimism on the significant milestone for the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, (CJCADR) which was initiated in 2013 to bring about treatments and interventions for dementia.
“We pay homage to the hard work and dedication of our CJCADR researchers as they build on 10 years of research excellence, continuing their mission to improve the lives of people living with dementia,” he said. “The use of ultrasound to treat the most prevalent form of dementia is enormously exciting because it tackles one of the biggest health challenges of our time… This achievement would not have been possible without the Clem Jones Foundation, our many donors, and the combined support of the Queensland and Federal Governments which has enabled us to progress discovery research to human trials.”
Professor Götz stated that the research continued the pioneering findings published in 2015 that ultrasound may clear the toxic amyloid-b plaque build-up, one of the most significant features of Alzheimer’s disease, and significantly bring back memory functions.
As the rates of Alzheimer’s disease constantly go up both in Australia and across the world, and with a continuously rising aging population in most parts of the world, the urgent requirement for an effective Alzheimer’s treatment is needed now more than ever.
