Brain plaques are a common hallmark among Alzheimer’s patients. As abnormal clusters of protein begin to form, they build up between nerve cells. The protein that causes these plaques is known as amyloid-beta.<\/p>\n
Researchers believe that these plaques are a major contributing factor in regards to cell death and tissue loss. This\u00a0is also why so much of the available research has focused on amyloid-beta in terms of a potential treatment.<\/p>\n
Most recently, it was not a drug that made the headlines, but rather the effects of a low-pitched noise. After showing promising results in mice, this potential intervention will now be tested in humans.<\/p>\n
While studying brainwaves, researchers can detect how alert and awake an individual feels. These brainwaves are essentially a major network of brain cells, firing in synchrony.<\/p>\n
During sleep, for instance, brainwaves are slowest. When you are awake and alert, your brainwaves will be faster. The fastest brainwave, known as a gamma wave, is present when we make decisions, concentrate, or use our memory. For those who suffer from Alzheimer’s, these individuals produce fewer gamma waves. This is why scientists have turned to light and sound.<\/p>\n
Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that while listening to low-pitched noise<\/a>, such as a low-E note on the piano, this sound induced high-speed brainwaves. This, in turn, led to a breakdown of brain plaques associated with Alzheimer’s.<\/p>\n While studying mice, those who were exposed to low-pitched noise, showcased approximately half of the brain plaques associated with dementia. This reduction in plaques was found in regions that process sound \u2014 as well as in the hippocampus, an area that is associated with memory.<\/p>\n The same researchers had previously discovered positive results when flashing lights in the eyes of mice with Alzheimer’s. Now that they have observed a potentially new ‘noise treatment’ \u2014 the concept of noise therapy may be even more effective. It is also a more a practical form of potential therapy in humans.<\/p>\n In summary:<\/p>\n As mentioned above, the researchers were previously interested in the relationship between Alzheimer’s-related changes and changes in gamma wave rhythms. They did this by using light. In December 2016, their\u00a0findings were published<\/a> in Nature<\/i>, showcasing the effect of flickering LED lights on gamma waves.<\/p>\n What they found, was that this exposure stimulated gamma waves, resulting in reduced levels of amyloid-beta brain plaques. More specifically, LED lights were flickered at varying speeds.\u00a0Following an hour-long treatment, beta-amyloid levels were reduced by half within the visual cortex of mice.<\/p>\n After 24 hours, the amyloid levels returned to normal.\u00a0Upon completing this study, the researchers concluded that more research was required in order to determine how long these effects would last. They also stated that the function of gamma rhythms has been unappreciated\u00a0within the past.<\/p>\n The relationship between sound and the brain of Alzheimer’s patients has been extensively studied in the past. From the benefits of music to the role of ultrasound, researchers continue to discover new connections.<\/p>\n\n
The Power of Brainwaves to Potentially Clear Alzheimer’s Plaques<\/h1>\n
Ultrasound and the Human Brain<\/h1>\n