A new study that has been done on mice has shown positive results in completely reversing the effects of Alzheimer's disease. The new study offers hope for the possibility of a permanent cure for the disease.
A biological medication already used in the treatment of plaque psoriasis, may just be able to slow the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the human brain. The accumulation of these plaques is what is responsible for developing Alzheimer's.
The study found that in older mice with Alzheimer's, the treatment suppressed the brain's immune reaction to beta amylod, brought on a marked improvement in cognitive functions and also reversed early signs of Alzheimer's.
The study was published in the Journal Nature Medicine in 2012. Bexarotene, a drug approved for the cutaneous T cell lymphomas in 1999, is the wonder drug. The drug was tested in mice to decipher its effects as regards Alzheimer's. In the study, the drug was fed to demented mice and with just a single dose, it lowered the most toxic form of amyloid beta peptide by 25% in just six hours. The effect lasted three whole days. Mice that were previously cognitively impaired by the amyloid plaque buildup resumed their normal functioning in an impressive 72 hours. The mice began to crinkle toilet paper placed in nearby corners, so as to make nests, a skill that was lost as the amyloid accumulated in their brains. The experiment was led by Gary Landreth.
"We have successfully reversed all of the known pathological features and behavioral deficits found in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease," Landreth said. "Never before has anyone observed clearance of amyloid plaques with such speed in mouse models."
The study offers plenty of hope toward the possible cure of Alzheimer's, a disease that affects 35 million people on the planet. However, the researchers are quick to add that the drug should not be purchased over the counter. Scientists are yet to test the drug on humans with Alzheimer's. Also, the dosage of the drug and its side effects on people are yet to be ascertained.