The past decade of Alzheimer's disease research has been fraught with disappointment. But some scientists say they're more hopeful than ever a cure will be found.
But according to Tanzi, going after the plaques after they’ve formed means you’re too late. That’s because amyloid develops very early in the Alzheimer's disease process — even 20 years before the first symptoms appear. Attacking amyloid in patients who already have dementia is like trying to stop a forest fire by blowing out a match, he said. It's inflammation that's allowing the fire to rage out of control.
On the left, healthy brain tissue is full of nerve cells, highlighted in green. On the right, brain tissue with signs of inflammation.Part of AZTherapies’ research involves a drug used to treat asthma, called Cromolyn, which targets inflammation in the lungs. The company altered the medication so that it reaches the brain, and is testing it in combination with ibuprofen.
AZTherapies has enrolled almost 600 patients for that trial, and expects results within the next year or two. Still, it's far too early to suggest people take anti-inflammatory medications to help stave off dementia. Drugs on the market now either don't reach the brain, or come with other risks associated with long-term use, like increased risk for heart attack, stroke and stomach ulcers.
"It induces the regeneration of wiring and synaptic networks that are lost. It prevents neuronal death. And also it is very significantly anti-inflammatory," Dr. Daniel Alkon, Neurotrope's president, said.
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