Sunnybrook Scientist Publishes Promising Alzheimer’s Study, Elected to Canadian Academy of Health Sciences

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Key Points

  • A research team led by Isabelle Aubert, PhD, published a study showing that focused ultrasound increased delivery of a growth factor and improved cognition in a preclinical model of Alzheimer’s disease.
  • The Canadian Academy of Health Sciences also recently elected Dr. Aubert to its group of 2022 Fellows.
  • Dr. Aubert is a senior scientist at Sunnybrook Research Institute in Toronto.
Isabelle Aubert, PhD

Isabelle Aubert, PhD, and her research team at Sunnybrook Research Institute in Toronto recently completed a study showing that focused ultrasound increased delivery of a growth factor and improved cognition in a preclinical model of Alzheimer’s disease. The study, “Ultrasound Delivery of a TrkA Agonist Confers Neuroprotection to Alzheimer-Associated Pathologies,” was published in the journal Brain.

Results from the Alzheimer’s study were captured in a story from Sunnybrook titled “Behind the Research: New Study Finds Focused Ultrasound Enhances Delivery of Brain Therapeutic and Improves Cognition in Alzheimer’s.” In the behind the research article, Dr. Aubert and postdoctoral researcher, Kristiana Xhima, PhD, describe the motivation, results, and interpretation of their work, which will lead to further studies on the affected molecular pathways in the brain. A Brain podcast has also been created to explain and summarize the study.

“Our results went beyond what was expected with target engagement on cholinergic neurons alone,” said Dr. Aubert.

The researchers caution that although it is promising, the preclinical findings are still at an early stage and not yet ready for translation to clinical trials.

This study coincided with Dr. Aubert’s election as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) for her leadership, distinctive competencies, scientific achievements, and her commitment to advance health science. CAHS recognition is given to health and biomedical scientists and scholars who positively impact the urgent health concerns of Canadians. The 71 recently elected Fellows represent researchers across a wide range of disciplines who “evaluate Canada’s most complex health challenges and recommend strategic, actionable solutions.”

“I am honored by this recognition and delighted at the opportunity to serve as scientist, volunteer, and advocate for the global advancement of academic health sciences with CAHS Fellows,” said Dr. Aubert. “I feel very grateful toward my mentors, colleagues, trainees, friends, and family who inspired, contributed, and supported my scientific journey.”

Read the Article in Brain >

See the Sunnybrook “Behind the Research” Alzheimer’s Story >

See Sunnybrook’s Canadian Academy Announcement >

Listen to the Brain Podcast >