1. Gene Therapy Is Promising
Researchers are exploring the possibility of gene therapy to fight Alzheimer's disease. It's an updated version of a study started in 2001, when doctors removed skin cells from several patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's, genetically modified the cells and then injected the cells into the patients' brains. By modifying the cells, they maximized the nerve growth factor, which they hoped would cause damaged brain cells to repair themselves. Data from this study was positive. In a newer study, scientists are injecting large doses of nerve growth factor through a new drug called CERE-110. Since there is no need to get skin cells from patients and wait for the nerve factor to grow, researchers say the new drug is much more efficient. A few Alzheimer's patients have received the drug, and doctors are monitoring their progress.
2. New Drug on the Horizon
Dimebon is a drug that actually slows down Alzheimer's by defending the brain from build up of amyloid plaque, which causes the disease. Currently, there are only drugs to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's. Researchers say Dimebon may increase memory and the ability to think in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's. So far, it has showed no major side effects. And, like Aricept, a widely used drug, Dimebon also treats the symptoms. About 180 Alzheimer's patients participated in the study. Patients were better able to take care of themselves on a day to day basis. Caregivers spent about a hour less each day caring for patients.
3. Future Brain Scans
Researchers are optimistic that the day will come when doctors can run a brain scan of plaque and determine who is more likely to get Alzheimer's. Scientists are finding similarities between experimental drugs to treat Alzheimer's and the medicines used for high cholesterol. Statins treat high cholesterol by preventing the build up of plaque in the arteries. Similar medications may be able to stop the build up of amyloid plaque in the brain. Although these drugs don't offer much hope for people in the later stages of the disease, there is a good possibility they could prevent it from happening in the first place. Researchers say just as people have routine medical procedures at a certain age, they would also have a routine brain scan. If these scans could identify the potential of plaque build up in the brain, patients could start on the drugs.
4. Stem Cells Not the Answer
Stem cell research, although promising for Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries, is not being used for Alzheimer's research. It is too difficult to get stem cells to the region of the brain where there is deterioration.
5. Too Expensive
Intravenous immunglobulin, also known as IVIg, has been used for years to treat some immune system problems. Now scientists are saying it may be effective for Alzheimer's. IVIg helps move the proteins that form amyloid plaque out of the brain. Unfortunately, IVIg is incredibly expensive and is already in short supply.
