Rather than targeting the typical rogue proteins associated with dementia, scientists say that—for the very first time—they have reversed dementia in mice with a drug that reduces inflammation.
Up until now, most dementia treatments have targeted the amyloid plaques that are found in people with Alzheimer’s disease. However, the latest study published in Science Translational Medicine suggests targeting inflammation in the brain might stop it in its tracks.
In experiments conducted at the University of California, Berkeley, senile mice were significantly better at learning new tasks, and became almost as adept as those half their age.
Experts are “optimistic” that it will work in humans and possibly lead to a cure for the devastating neurological condition. Not only that, they hope that any drugs developed with their strategy can also help brains recover from strokes, concussions, or traumatic brain injuries.
The successful treatment in mice supports a growing body of research which says that our blood-brain barriers begin to leak as we get older. This is the filtration system that blocks infectious organisms, letting in chemicals that destroy neurons.
Currently, the only drugs for dementia or Alzheimer’s treat the symptoms and not the cause. This new drug, however, opens the door to changing just that.