Researchers are embarking on a first of its kind study to utilise ultrasound and light therapies to investigate a non-invasive and targeted treatment of Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s.
A team of scientists at Nottingham Trent University is investigating the potential for delivering therapeutics to the brain via specialised microbubbles.
The work is being made possible with more than £1 million funding from the Eranda Rothschild Foundation.
It is hoped that when used in combination with focused ultrasound, these microscopic vehicles can open the body’s protective ‘blood brain barrier’ and allow the therapy inside to pass through and begin treating the specific area of interest.
The blood brain barrier acts as a protective shield to prevent harmful substances and toxins in the body from reaching the brain – but this also means that potentially important therapies for treating these diseases are unable to pass through it too.
The researchers hope that the blood brain barrier can be temporarily opened allowing stem cell derived therapies to cross which would repair and reverse the neuronal damage in the brain.
The ultrasound would be coupled with MRI so that the physiological effect in the brain could be monitored in real-time.
Finally, the team is investigating the potential for using photons of light to give a boost of energy to the cells in the brain and blood brain barrier so they can heal naturally and effectively as quickly as possible.
A key part of the project in enabling the study of this new approach is the development of an innovative in vitro model of a 3D blood brain barrier – using cultures of human brain cells – in order to rapidly and effectively screen potential therapeutic targets.
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and dementia are well recognised, however what causes the disease is still unknown.
Cases of dementia are on the rise and it is predicted that by 2040, 1.6 million people in the UK will be living with the disease. And with an ageing population – and cases rising rapidly even amongst younger people – the annual cost of care in the UK alone is £34.7 billion.
Whilst treatments focus on relieving the worst symptoms via a combination of drugs, palliative care plans and bespoke counselling services, the damage caused by each disease is irreversible and associated neural degeneration cannot be halted nor prevented.
The researchers hope that by using the neuroprotective factors already in the body – specifically mesenchymal stem cells known for their neuroprotective, regenerative capacity – they have the potential to reverse the effects of these diseases.
“These are illnesses that do not discriminate and once they have taken hold, they rob people of the ones they love the most and valuable years together,” said Dr Gareth Cave, Head of the Nanoscience and Drug Delivery Group in Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology.
He added: “By harnessing knowledge spanning a range of fields, we are pursuing a totally different and truly innovative approach. We believe the cure for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and dementia could lie in the use of non-invasive techniques and natural materials.
“These deeply powerful yet far safer tools for combatting the symptoms of these diseases could pave the way for routine treatments that transform – and save – the lives of sufferers.”
Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild, Chair of the Eranda Rothschild Foundation, said: “All of the Trustees of the Eranda Rothschild Foundation are thrilled to support this important research at Nottingham Trent University. Our founder and benefactor, Sir Evelyn de Rothschild, was committed to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s because they are cruel diseases that affect millions of people in the UK, and their families.
“This important research will hopefully result in treatments that can ultimately improve their lives, plus many more around the world.”
Professor Richard Emes, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation at Nottingham Trent University, said: “This funding from the Eranda Rothschild Foundation is very welcome and will accelerate exceptional research at Nottingham Trent University. The funded programme of research will provide both greater understanding of disease and also rapid exploration of potential novel treatments.”
