A new drug was found not only to slow down the process of Alzheimer's when it comes to memory loss but it was also seen for its ability to restore it and make the patient live longer. This study was published by the scientists from the University of Leicester in England and the University of Glasgow, Scotland.
VOA News shared this latest breakthrough in the field of medicine focusing on Alzheimer's disease. Scientists used a mouse to test the drug Allosteric Ligands for Alzheimer's. Its goal is to hit the protein region in the brain that is linked to a person's ability to recall things. The case of people with Alzheimer's is that as soon as they start digressing, the protein in their brain starts to be less active as well.
This is where the drug comes in handy, as it helps in making that region of the brain active again. The Allosteris Ligands activates the M1 muscarinic receptor, which then results to restoring the memory of the patient. Lead scientist and professor of molecular biology at the University of Glasgow, Andrew Tobin, added this drug has even made the mouse's life longer. Another advantage of this drug is that it spares the neurons of the brain from degenerating.
As the results are promising, scientists still have some work to do before they could make this available for the public to use. The next thing that they are working is knowing the mechanism, as to why is this drug seems to be effective for Alzheimer's patients. Most medications that are given to patients these days are just to alleviate the situation, while this one is seen as a treatment.
For the moment that this drug is still not available for consumption, patients are encouraged to exercise and eat healthy everyday. This helps in slowing down the process of dementia, according to ALZ.org.
