Has a Possible Treatment For Alzheimer’s Disease Been Found?

17 Aug Has a Possible Treatment For Alzheimer’s Disease Been Found?

Researchers believe they may have found a lasting efficient treatment to Alzheimer’s disease in an anti-inflammatory drug. This drug, Mefanemic acid, is a common pain killer used to cure menstrual cramps.

The researchers made these revelations in a study published in the

journal ‘Nature communications’. The team led by Dr. Brough of the University of Manchester revealed that Mefanemic acid was used to reverse memory loss in mice models of Alzheimer’s by reducing brain inflammation.
During the study, 20 mice that were genetically modified to have Alzheimer’s disease were used. After these mice had developed the condition they were shared into groups. One group was treated with Mefanemic Acid, while the other was given Placebos for a period of one month each. After the treatment, the group being treated with Mefanemic acid had their memory reversed to normal.

Study has shown that Mefanemic acid targets the NLRP3 pathway which is a pro-inflammatory pathway known to damage brain cells. This pathway also plays a key in Alzheimer’s disease. This is the first time any drug has ever targeted the pathway and researchers are very excited about this discovery; although more work still needs to be done to certify that it can tackle the disease in humans but the results so far have been encouraging.
Since the drug is already available, and its toxicity and pharmacokinetics already known, hopefully it would take a shorter time for it to reach the patients as presently over 5.2 million people aged 65 and above suffer from Alzheimer’s and this number is said to double over the years except a lasting treatment is found.
Dr. Brough and his team believe they might be on their way to achieve this feat.
Please note, this study is experimental and doctors do not prescribe Mefenamic Acid as a treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease.