Diabetes drug could be a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s, study claims
Published 22 November 2010
New research claims that a drug commonly used in the treatment of type II diabetes can help treat Alzheimer’s disease.
A paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS) found that metformin can reduce the amount of the abnormal tau protein in the brains of mice. Healthy nerve cells produce tau but in Alzheimer's, the abnormal form is produced which does not function correctly.
Alzheimer's Society comment:
'Previous research has suggested that metformin reduces the risk of dementia in diabetic people, and this study provides some understanding of why this might be. The fact that the drug is safe for humans means it could potentially be tested more quickly than a completely new drug. However, further research is needed to fully understand the link between diabetes and Alzheimer's.'
'A million more people are set to develop dementia in the next 10 years. It is important that people maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to reduce their risk and that greater investment in dementia research is made to further our understanding of the condition.'
Dr Anne Corbett
Research Communications Manager
Alzheimer's Society
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Research Reference: Professor Susann Schweiger, et al. 'The Biguanidemetformin acts on tauphosphorylation via mTOR/PP2vAsignalling', Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, November 2010.
Notes to editors:
- One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
- Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 15 years 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 supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. 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
