Cancer Drug Shows Promise In Alzheimer?s Treatment

Posted by AlzCottages on March 22nd, 2016

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 5.3 million Americans of all ages found themselves living with this disease in 2015 alone. A new case is estimated to develop every 67 seconds around the clock. This progressive form of dementia slowly attacks the brain, gradually robbing people of their memories and independence. New research, however, may offer insights on how the disease can be slowed or stopped in its earlier stages.

A recent study involving the cancer drug bexarotene is offering insight on a possible way to interfere with the initial stages of amyloid plaque formation on the brain. The development of amyloid plaque is one of the hallmarks of the disease. The most recent study involved the use of nematode worms that had been genetically programmed to develop Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. Researchers found that bexarotene suppressed the formation of plaque, essentially stopping the development of the disease.

While bexarotene may one day offer hope for those in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s, the reality is the process has not yet proven successful in humans. Researchers and other medical professionals say it may ultimately prove useful in one day stopping the disease from forming. Before that day arrives, however, a great deal of research needs to be done and concerns about the safety of the drug’s use for people with Alzheimer’s need to be addressed.

Bexarotene may not be a magic bullet to address Alzheimer’s disease just yet, but medical professionals do say the most recent study is quite encouraging. With no real pharmaceutical breakthroughs in dementia treatment over the past decade, the findings support exploring this avenue.

At present, Alzheimer’s disease is not considered a curable condition. Early intervention can help close the progress of the disease and improve the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s. People who are concerned about Alzheimer’s formation in themselves or a loved one are urged to seek medical advice.

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The Cottages have been serving Texas since 1997 and are family owned and operated by The Cottages Senior Living. The Cottages are state-of-the-art certified assisted living residences for people living with Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders.