Psoriasis Drugs May Treat Alzheimer's

With Alzheimer’s disease cases expected to soar within the next few decades, researchers are looking for various ways to create new treatments that would slow or stop the development of dementia. Through a new study, scientists have found a treatment that has been under their nose the whole time. The most recent study focused on the treatment of inflammation in mice predisposed to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Mice were given anti-inflammatory medications commonly used to treat psoriasis. What researchers found was a decrease in both short-term memory loss and levels of the beta-amyloid protein which are presumed to destroy the brain’s function. The study was conducted in young mice with no symptoms and older mice with the development of symptoms. Both age samples responded positively to the treatment, with older mice regaining some of their lost brain power. Much of Alzheimer’s research is based upon the deposits of beta-amyloid, the protein that destroys the brain causing a loss in memory, cognitive skills, and regular function. This study focused on inflammation in the brain. Inflammation is a controlled by the immune system and can often become disruptive, as in cases of psoriasis. Psoriasis presents as inflamed, flaky, itchy, dry patches of skin and is caused by the immune system attacking healthy cells, creating new skin production in the form of the patches. It is believed that Alzheimer’s disease has an immune system link to its development, attacking brain cells the way it attacks skin cells in psoriasis cases. The study has been in action for the past six years and the findings from the mice leave researchers positive that anti-inflammatory drugs used for psoriasis can play a major role in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. While the exact cause for the brain’s destruction remains unknown, this readily available course of treatment can positively impact a huge number of Alzheimer’s patients. The treatment is set to start clinical trial in humans, which researchers suggest should remain lengthy and involved. While they are optimistic about the treatment, they also forewarn that the original tests were run on mice which are very different from people. They expect clinical trials in humans to be lengthy, but end with positive results. The psoriasis drugs already on the market may become the form of treatment or new products may be developed. Sources: Times of India - Health & Fitness - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Psoriasis-drugs-may-help-slow-dementia/articleshow/17374961.cms News Medical - http://www.news-medical.net/news/20121126/New-therapeutic-approach-for-preventing-Alzheimers-disease.aspx Emax Health - http://www.emaxhealth.com/1020/treatment-reverses-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-mice-ready-human-testing