Fresh hope for Alzheimer’s patients
An experimental drug has been shown to halt memory loss in mice with a rodent version of Alzheimer’s disease.
The molecule, called MW108, curbed the activity of an enzyme that is over-active in patients with Alzheimer’s and promotes brain inflammation.
As well as stopping the progression of memory loss, it repaired broken communication links between brain cells.
“This is the starting point for the development of a new class of drugs,” said study leader Professor Martin Watterson, from Northwestern University in Chicago, US.
“It’s possible some day this class of drugs could be given early on to people to arrest certain aspects of Alzheimer’s.
“I’m not aware of any other drug that has this effect on the central nervous system.”
Changes in the brain start to occur 10 to 15 years before an Alzheimer’s patient starts to suffer serious memory problems.
The findings are published in the online journal Public Library of Science ONE.
US co-author Dr Linda Van Eldik, from the University of Kentucky, said: “This class of drugs could be beneficial when the nerve cells are just beginning to become impaired.”
The team now plans to refine the drug so it is stable and safe enough to be given to patients in a clinical trial.
The Press Association
Latest posts by The Press Association (see all)
- Beatles documentary Let It Be to be released on Disney+ - April 16, 2024
- How to keep your money safe – as criminals ramp up AI tactics to steal consumer data - April 16, 2024
- Seasoned marathon runners give their best race day tips for first-timers - April 16, 2024
- What are heat pumps and could they help your home save energy? - April 15, 2024
- Trailer for Bridgerton season three teases new friends-to-lovers romance - April 12, 2024
