Cancer drug improves symptoms of Alzheimer's in mice, study says

Researchers in Ohio found the drug bexarotene was effective in increasing levels of the protein ApoE, which in turn sped up the clearance of amyloid-beta, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. They also discovered that the drug quickly improved memory deficits and behaviour. This supports previous research which has shown that ApoE helps clear amyloid plaques in the brain.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'This exciting study could be the beginning of a journey towards a potential new way to treat Alzheimer's disease. However, this is very early days. People with Alzheimer's should not rush to get this drug, as we need much more research to establish if it has benefits for humans.

'Investigating the added benefits of existing licensed drugs is an innovative approach in our fight against the condition, and one which Alzheimer's Society is championing through its Drug Discovery programme. This could see new treatments for dementia being developed much sooner.'

Dr Anne Corbett
Research Manager
Alzheimer's Society

 

Research Reference: Cirrito et al, 'ApoE-Directed Therapeutics Rapidly Clear β-Amyloid and Reverse Deficits in AD Mouse Models', published online in Science on Thursday, 09 February 2012

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