Ceretas Trials Ultrasound for Alzheimer's Treatment
A new clinical trial tests low-intensity ultrasound to address behavioural symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
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Biotech company Ceretas has launched a clinical trial involving 60 patients to evaluate the use of therapeutic ultrasound for Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to determine if this low-intensity energy treatment can improve complex psychological and behavioural symptoms.
Why it matters
The research focuses on mitigating symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, depression, and hallucinations to help patients maintain independence and remain at home for longer periods. Successfully treating these behaviours could delay the need for early nursing home placement for many Australians.
The current trial tracks 60 patients over an 18-month duration to assess treatment outcomes. This builds on phase one findings where 10 of 12 individuals demonstrated improvements in psychological and behavioural dementia symptoms.
The players
Ceretas
Ceretas is a biotechnology company focused on developing new therapeutic applications for ultrasound technology.
University of Queensland's Brain Institute
The University of Queensland's Brain Institute is a research facility that hosts scientific investigation into brain function and neurodegenerative diseases.
Therapeutic Goods Administration
The Therapeutic Goods Administration is the Australian government agency responsible for the regulation of medicines and medical devices.
The details
Researchers at the University of Queensland's Brain Institute began developing this ultrasound technology 10 years ago to restore brain plasticity. The treatment directs low-intensity energy into the brain, mirroring methods already utilised for Parkinson's disease tremors and physiotherapy.
Timeline
Research into this technology began at the University of Queensland 10 years ago.
The clinical trial was announced and became active in October 2026.
The clinical trial is scheduled to run for a duration of 18 months.
The Big Picture
This clinical trial represents a significant progression of the University of Queensland's Brain Institute's neuroplasticity research programme. It demonstrates the transition of non-invasive energy therapies from laboratory research into active clinical applications for neurodegenerative conditions.
The trial aims to provide a non-invasive option to manage behavioural symptoms that currently burden patients and their families. If successful, this could eventually offer a new pathway to sustain home-based care and improve the overall quality of life for those living with dementia.
The takeaway
This trial tests whether non-invasive ultrasound can offer a breakthrough in managing the behavioural challenges associated with dementia. Patients and families should discuss the status of such emerging therapies with their specialist to understand available care options.
Further reading
Find more updates on Alzheimer’s research and developments in Australia.
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