Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most heartbreaking conditions that affect people as they grow older.
It slowly takes away a person’s memory and ability to think clearly, making everyday tasks difficult.
Currently, medications used to treat Alzheimer’s, such as lecanemab and aducanumab, aim to reduce harmful protein build-up in the brain. These treatments can slow down the disease, but they can’t bring back lost memories or fix thinking problems that have already started.
But now, scientists at UCLA Health have discovered something new and exciting. In a study published in the journal *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, they introduced a new molecule called DDL-920.
This molecule was created in the lab and tested on mice that show symptoms similar to people with Alzheimer’s disease. What makes DDL-920 special is that it seems to actually restore memory function in these mice—not just slow down the disease.
The brain works by sending signals between cells in certain patterns. These patterns are like rhythms that help control different brain functions, including memory. One important rhythm is called “gamma oscillations.”
These are fast brain waves that help us learn and remember. In people with early Alzheimer’s, these brain waves are often weaker than normal, which is believed to cause some of the memory problems.
Until now, scientists have tried to fix this by using tools like light, sound, or magnets to stimulate the brain. These methods helped a little but didn’t really improve memory. So the UCLA team took a different path. They searched for a way to boost these brain rhythms from inside the brain instead of from the outside.
They focused on a group of brain cells called “parvalbumin interneurons.” These cells help produce the gamma waves. But in Alzheimer’s, their work is often blocked by other brain signals.
The researchers discovered that DDL-920 can stop this blockage. It acts like a key that unlocks these brain cells and allows them to work properly again. With the help of DDL-920, the brain can produce strong gamma waves, which in turn seem to help restore memory.
To test this, the scientists gave DDL-920 to a group of mice that had been genetically modified to show Alzheimer’s-like symptoms. They used a test called the Barnes maze, which checks how well mice can remember the location of an escape hole using visual clues.
After two weeks of treatment, the mice that had Alzheimer’s symptoms performed just as well in the maze as normal mice. They remembered where the escape hole was—something they couldn’t do before getting the treatment.
Importantly, the treated mice did not show any bad side effects or strange behavior after taking DDL-920, which is a good sign.
The lead scientist, Dr. Istvan Mody, explained that there is no other drug on the market that works this way. While this is only the beginning, and a lot more testing is needed to see if it is safe for humans, the results are exciting.
If it works in people, DDL-920 might one day help treat not just Alzheimer’s, but also other brain disorders like depression, schizophrenia, and autism that also show weaker gamma waves.
This discovery could change how we treat memory loss and brain function problems. For families watching a loved one lose their memories, this tiny molecule could be a big step toward hope.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies about These places in U.S. have the most cases of Alzheimer’s disease and findings of Scientists confirm the link between COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease.
For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies about New Alzheimer’s treatment: anti-inflammatory drug may prevent memory loss and findings of The diabetes drug surprise: a possible shield against Alzheimer’s?
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