Researchers at UCLA Health have discovered a new molecule that could help improve memory in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
The molecule, called DDL-920, was tested in mice and showed promising results.
Most current Alzheimer’s drugs try to clear away plaque in the brain. Plaque buildup is a common sign of the disease. Some approved drugs like lecanemab and aducanumab can remove this plaque and slow memory loss. However, they do not fix the damaged brain circuits that affect memory.
This new drug, DDL-920, works differently. It doesn’t focus on removing plaque. Instead, it tries to “reboot” the brain’s memory system.
Dr. Istvan Mody and Dr. Varghese John led the research. They wanted to find a way to help the brain’s memory functions work again.
Our brains use electrical signals to control many functions. One type of signal, called gamma oscillations, is important for memory and learning. In people with Alzheimer’s, these signals are weak.
Some scientists have tried to improve these brain signals using sound or magnets. These methods helped break up plaque but didn’t improve memory much.
The UCLA team tried a new approach. They looked at a type of brain cell called parvalbumin interneurons. These cells help produce gamma signals, but in Alzheimer’s, they don’t work well because of a chemical imbalance.
A brain chemical called GABA acts like a brake on these cells, stopping them from firing strongly. So, the researchers created DDL-920, a drug that blocks GABA’s effects. This allows the brain cells to work better and create stronger gamma signals.
They tested this drug on mice with Alzheimer’s-like symptoms. These mice had trouble remembering things. The researchers gave them DDL-920 for two weeks and then tested their memory using a maze.
Before the treatment, the mice could not remember the escape path in the maze. After the treatment, the mice performed almost as well as healthy mice. Their memory improved a lot.
Importantly, the mice did not show any strange behavior or side effects, which is a good sign for safety.
Dr. Mody said this approach is completely new. While it’s still early and more studies are needed, this could one day help people with Alzheimer’s and even other brain conditions like depression, autism, or schizophrenia.
This study gives new hope that we might be able to restore memory in people with Alzheimer’s, not just slow the disease.
The findings were published in the journal PNAS.
If you care 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?
For more about brain health, please read studies about Scientists find connection between fungus and Alzheimer’s disease and findings of Scientists find links between COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease.
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