Focused ultrasound to adjust brain circuits linked to Alzheimer’s
Effective Ultrasound Neuromodulation in the Awake Primate Brain
Researchers are developing precise, non‑invasive ultrasound methods to turn up or down activity in brain circuits related to Alzheimer’s as a step toward future treatments for people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180442 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses awake nonhuman primates to see how short, focused ultrasound pulses change brain activity in real time. The team will combine a flexible remote ultrasound system with neural recording tools to map which ultrasound settings excite or inhibit targeted brain regions. By testing many pulse patterns and measuring neural responses, they aim to create clinic-ready protocols that can reliably produce the desired effects. Those protocols are intended to guide future human treatments for conditions like Alzheimer’s and other brain disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: In the future, patients with Alzheimer’s disease or related memory disorders who are eligible for neuromodulation trials targeting deep brain circuits would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without brain-related conditions or those seeking immediate clinical benefit should not expect direct help from this preclinical, animal-based project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to non-invasive ultrasound treatments that precisely target deep brain circuits to improve symptoms or slow progression in Alzheimer’s and other neurological conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Early animal studies and small human experiments suggest ultrasound can change brain activity, but reliably controlling stimulation for safe clinical use is still new and under development.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Webb, Taylor D — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Webb, Taylor D
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.