Enhanced Glymphatic Drainage
The glymphatic system plays a crucial role in clearing metabolic waste and toxins from the brain, and its dysfunction has been implicated in various neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Studies have suggested that focused ultrasound can enhance glymphatic function by promoting the clearance of waste products from the brain. One mechanism by which focused ultrasound may affect the glymphatic system is through the modulation of cerebral blood flow and vascular permeability. Focused ultrasound can transiently disrupt the blood-brain barrier, which may facilitate the exchange of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid (ISF) in the brain, thereby enhancing glymphatic clearance.
Additionally, focused ultrasound can stimulate neural activity and promote the release of neurotransmitters, which may further facilitate glymphatic function. By modulating neuronal activity, focused ultrasound can influence the regulation of cerebral blood flow and CSF dynamics, ultimately enhancing waste clearance through the glymphatic system. Moreover, studies have also suggested that focused ultrasound can directly affect the clearance of amyloid-beta, a toxic protein implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, by promoting its dissolution and clearance through the glymphatic pathway.