Alzheimer’s disease is known to deplete the quality of life of a patient owing to the slow progression of loss of memory in people during their lifetime. Thus, it is necessary to find a solution to help stimulate memory and also lower the cognitive-related changes caused by the onset of the disease. The researchers from the University of Rochester are trying to create a new therapy using glatiramer acetate, which is a drug used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The latest research focuses on investigating the potentials of glatiramer acetate for further application in Alzheimer’s disease. According to lead researcher M. Kerry O’Banion, the study may not turn out to be a cure but at least could help pave way for new treatment that will slow down the symptoms of the disease.
The researchers carried out a study on the mouse model to find the effect of multiple sclerosis (MS) drug on the microglia — a area of the immune system located in the brain — and also positive result on the cognitive skills. On detailed analysis, the team found the drug to help lower amyloid plaques and changes in tau structure; thereby, indicating the impact of glatiramer acetate on brain of the Alzheimer’s disease effected mouse model. However, the precise mechanism is yet to be discovered.
The latest findings provide evidence that the new drug can help design a new treatment for bringing about changes in the immune system of the Alzheimer’s patients for improving their quality of life in the long run. The study is currently in the trial phase as there are possibilities that the patients participating in the trial could be at a higher risk of developing the disease.
However, the team suggests that the latest study will help leave no stone unturned for finding the best of possible treatment for patients dealing with the degeneration in cognitive behavior.
