A recent study published in the journal Brain Stimulation concluded that patients suffering from dementia can now be treated with ultrasound technology. The ultrasound waves when applied to the brain can help improve cognitive functions, says the study. The researchers used the technique on mice with conditions that simulated vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

The researchers from Tohoku University in Japan, who concluded the study, suggested that the therapy may also benefit humans who suffer from degenerative diseases of the brain. The team led by cardiologist Hiroaki Shimokawa applied low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on the whole brain of the mice, which improved the formation of blood vessel formation and nerve cell regeneration. Both the improvements were effected without any side effects.

“The LIPUS therapy is a non-invasive physiotherapy that could apply to high-risk elderly patients without the need for surgery or anesthesia, and could be used repeatedly," said Shimokawa.

Around 50 million people around the world suffer from dementia every year and 10 million new cases are added to the list every year. The study will be a breakthrough for the treatment of dementia, since LIPUS therapy improves cognitive dysfunction without any serious side effects.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 24, 2018 05:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).