Professor Kim Jae-ho presented positive findings from an exploratory clinical trial using Deepson Bio’s NEUCLARE therapeutic ultrasound device to treat normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). The trial demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the mobility of NPH patients after undergoing ultrasound therapy. This research explores a novel, non-invasive approach to treating NPH, a condition currently reliant on invasive shunt surgery.
This research holds substantial promise for patients suffering from NPH, a form of dementia. The positive results from this small trial suggest a potential alternative to the risks associated with shunt surgery. A non-invasive treatment option could significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life by offering a safer and potentially more effective treatment pathway. Furthermore, the exploration of ultrasound’s impact on cerebrospinal fluid circulation opens new avenues for research into other neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease.
In a trial of 10 NPH patients, participants underwent three ultrasound stimulation sessions. Following the treatment, mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and 10-meter gait tests. Results showed a 23.3% average improvement in TUG test times (7.1 seconds) and a 21.0% average improvement in 10-meter walk times (5.9 seconds), both considered clinically significant. The study focused on the device’s ability to enhance cerebrospinal fluid flow, which is believed to aid in clearing brain waste, a potential mechanism for treating Alzheimer’s disease.
This early success indicates a promising future for non-invasive ultrasound treatment of NPH. Further research and larger-scale trials are crucial to validating these initial findings and exploring the full potential of this technology. The positive impact on mobility in NPH patients suggests a possible paradigm shift in treatment strategies, offering hope for a less invasive and more effective approach to managing this debilitating condition. The connection to brain waste clearance also opens exciting new possibilities for tackling neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
