Possible breakthrough in AD treatment?

janeslk · 01-10-2008, 11:12 AM

I haven't been on this board for several weeks as my FIL, who suffered from stroke-related dementia, died a few months ago. However, I still maintain an interest in AD.

Anyway, yesterday there was an article on a new breakthrough in AD treatment announced. It seems when a drug used to treat arthritis was injected in the spine of a few AD patients they showed immediate improvement in brain function within several minutes and it was sustained. The researchers were extremely excited by the finding. The drug is Empril or Epril or something like that and it is already approved by the FDA for arthritis treatment. I think the article was in Science Digest or Science magazine. Sorry I don't have any links to it.

cyt · 01-10-2008, 09:37 PM

My Mom heard that on the news today but couldn't remember the name. I'm glad you posted this! I would love to hear more about it - anyone?? Thanks, C

anemic · 01-11-2008, 04:52 AM

The drug is Enbrel and it may be a remarkable break through. Enbrel is an arthritis drug and it attacks inflammation. It appears to remove TNF (tumour necrosis factor) which is in the fluid surrounding the brains of Alzheimer's patients.

A small study of 15 patients has been testing this drug. All of the patients had moderate to severe alzheimers. One patient had her symptoms removed within minutes of injection. Most of the press is about this person because she got better instantly. Others in the study got better over time. The amazing thing is some of these patients were able to start driving again. That is quite amazing.

DGabriel10 · 01-11-2008, 05:14 AM

Thank you anemic. I too only caught part of the report and wanted more information. It is nice to know there is hope on the horizon if not for our parents, then for ourselves.....

Love, deb

janeslk · 01-11-2008, 11:06 AM

What I found exciting about the report is that the drug is already FDA approved. This means it could be used immediately, assuming you could find a doctor who would prescribe it. I don't know about its use to help stroke-related dementia, but it sounds as if it would be helpful to those with early onset AD.