In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers at the University of Kentucky have found that a drug usually used for multiple sclerosis (MS) could also help treat Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the U.S., affecting over 6 million older adults.
This illness worsens over time, making people forgetful and affecting their behavior and thinking skills. Now, there’s a chance this MS drug might offer some hope.
MS Drug Tackles Alzheimer’s in a New Way
The drug in question is called ponesimod, also known by its brand name ‘Ponvory’. This medicine is already approved for treating certain types of MS, a condition that also affects the brain and nerves.
It works by calming down inflammation in the brain. Inflammation is one of the key things that make Alzheimer’s worse.
Erhard Bieberich, a leading scientist on the team, said that ponesimod reduced this harmful inflammation in their studies.
One exciting part is how the drug works on a specific type of brain cell called microglia. These cells help clean the brain, but when they go wrong, they can make Alzheimer’s worse.
The researchers found that ponesimod helps these cells do their cleaning job better. This means less junk builds up in the brain, which is a typical problem in Alzheimer’s.
Tests on Mice and Human Brain Samples
To test their idea, the researchers worked with mice that were genetically modified to show Alzheimer’s-like conditions. Some mice were treated with ponesimod.
The treated mice performed much better in maze tests, which measure memory and thinking. This suggests that the drug was helping their brain function better.
The team also looked at human brain samples, thanks to their partnership with UK’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.
The results were promising and matched what they found in the mice, showing that ponesimod might also work in people.
What This Means for Alzheimer’s Treatment
This discovery opens up a new door for Alzheimer’s treatment. The best part is that ponesimod is already approved for MS, so it’s easier to start using it for Alzheimer’s patients.
The researchers are optimistic, stating that the drug doesn’t just reduce brain inflammation but also helps clean up harmful stuff in the brain.
This is great news because current Alzheimer’s treatments are limited, and finding a new effective drug could be a game-changer.
In a Nutshell
Alzheimer’s is a severe problem that affects millions, and current treatments can only do so much.
The University of Kentucky’s new study brings hope, suggesting that an MS drug called ponesimod could be a valuable new weapon in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
It’s still early days, but the signs are promising. This could be a big step toward giving people with Alzheimer’s a better quality of life.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies that bad lifestyle habits can cause Alzheimer’s disease, and this new drug may help treat Alzheimer’s disease.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about a new early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, and results showing this brain problem can increase risk of stroke for up to five years.
The study was published in eBioMedicine.
Follow us on Twitter for more articles about this topic.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
