[olsen]

http://www.physorg.com/news/2010-10-...alzheimer.html

(PhysOrg.com) -- Biomedical engineer Elisa Konofagou and her team are on the brink of uncovering a new, potentially groundbreaking use for ultrasound: the ability to temporarily open up the natural barrier that separates blood vessels from brain tissue in mice. If the technique works in humans, she says, doctors could use ultrasound to deliver intravenous drugs directly into the brain cells of patients suffering from diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

If the technique works in humans, she says, doctors could use ultrasound to deliver intravenous drugs directly into the brain cells of patients suffering from diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s...
...Her research opens up new possibilities for treatment using a two-step process: Microscopic bubbles would be injected into the blood vessels of patients through an IV line, and then travel into the brain capillaries. Then an ultrasonic beam would be positioned above the hippocampus—which controls memory and is typically affected by early Alzheimer’s—causing the bubbles to oscillate against the blood-brain barrier, temporarily opening it up for drug delivery.

“The blood-brain barrier is like a brick wall reinforced by wires, and this method is a way of temporarily relaxing those wires,” says Konofagou,

[VICTORIALOU]

Thank you for your post.
I read about this research also,
I just love the concept of using sound waves medically... how cool is that.
Victoria

-- Biomedical engineer Elisa Konofagou and her team are on the brink of uncovering a new, potentially groundbreaking use for ultrasound: the ability to temporarily open up the natural barrier that separates blood vessels from brain tissue in mice. If the technique works in humans, she says, doctors could use ultrasound to deliver intravenous drugs directly into the brain cells of patients suffering from diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

If the technique works in humans, she says, doctors could use ultrasound to deliver intravenous drugs directly into the brain cells of patients suffering from diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s...
...Her research opens up new possibilities for treatment using a two-step process: Microscopic bubbles would be injected into the blood vessels of patients through an IV line, and then travel into the brain capillaries. Then an ultrasonic beam would be positioned above the hippocampus—which controls memory and is typically affected by early Alzheimer’s—causing the bubbles to oscillate against the blood-brain barrier, temporarily opening it up for drug delivery.

“The blood-brain barrier is like a brick wall reinforced by wires, and this method is a way of temporarily relaxing those wires,” says Konofagou,

[Ronhutton]

If the theory about an increase in permeability of the BBB causing an exacerbation of symptoms, then Prof Konofgou should see a temporary worsening of symptoms during her treatment.
I have written to her to see if this is the case.
(Thanks to Rick for finding her address!!)
If she replies, I will report again