Immunotherapy linked to lower risk of Alzheimer's disease
Published 21 July 2009
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatments, the addition of good antibodies into the blood stream, may hold promise for lowering the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other similar brain disorders.
The research was published in the July 21 2009, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Howard Fillit, MD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York says,
'In our study, we looked at the association of the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) with the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease. IVIg has been used safely for more than 20 years to treat other diseases but is thought to have an indirect effect on Alzheimer's disease by targeting beta-amyloid, or plaques in the brain.'
Alzheimer's Society comment:
'This is a really encouraging epidemiological study. Clinical trials are now underway in this area and we look forward to the results. However, introducing large amounts of antibodies could cause serious side effects so important questions will need to be answered before this treatment becomes available. 'With more funding treatments could become a reality sooner, yet research is desperately underfunded, the Government invests eight times less in dementia research than cancer research. Much more investment is needed to care for people today and find a cure for tomorrow.'
Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society
Reference: Study published in the American Academy of Neurology. Contact: Rachel Seroka rseroka@aan.com
Notes to editors:
- One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
- Alzheimer's Society research shows that 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
- Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.
- Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to help people live well with dementia today and for research to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
- Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
