A type 2 diabetes drug has shown significant effective memory loss reversal in mice, leading researchers toward a desire for human testing in the future.
The drug, having already been approved for use in humans with type 2 diabetes, might be on a fast track for treating Alzheimer’s patients. This new treatment could make a real difference, scientists believe, because it protects against Alzheimer’s on three separate fronts.
Despite only having data from mice thus far, the treatment “holds clear promise of being developed into a new treatment for chronic neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease,” Christian Holscher, senior author of the study said.
Though Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disorder, accounting for up to 80% of dementia diagnoses, there are others that can do just as much damage.
The efficacy of this new drug will largely hinge on its successful implementation as a treatment for Alzheimer’s. Once that is determined, researchers will be better able to understand what other applications it might have.
One of the observed results included a significant reversal of memory deficit in mice, according to Science Alert. This breaks down into four responsible factors: slower rate of nerve cell loss, higher brain growth factor levels, lower toxic amyloid plaque levels, and a reduction in oxidative stress.
The multifaceted approach to Alzheimer’s and dementia treatment could be a winner, but utilizing type 2 diabetes medication in this way is not new. In fact the connection between these diseases is well established.
Still, cautious optimism carries the day. “These very promising outcomes demonstrate the efficacy of these novel multiple receptor drugs that originally were developed to treat type 2 diabetes but have shown consistent neuro- protective effects in several studies,” Holscher said about this specific potential breakthrough.
Additionally, exercise can help combat some of dementia’s negative symptoms. In fact, The New England Journal of Medicine reports that of the 11 physical activities considered in a study, only dancing was tied to a lower dementia risk.
The future is showing glimpses of light for families affected by Alzheimer’s, but much testing yet needs to be done for the sun to shine brightly through the clouds.