Psoriasis drug may help treat Alzheimer’s disease, according to research findings. The number of people living with dementia is expected to grow exponentially by the year 2050, so there is a pressing need for treatment options for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is one of the most common health problems among the elderly. Researchers at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) have found that Alzheimer’s disease may possibly be treated with a common psoriasis drug, as it activates the enzyme ADAM10 in Alzheimer’s disease patients. The enzyme is capable of suppressing Alzheimer’s disease-related effects, namely, impaired cerebral function.
Although the exact Alzheimer’s trigger is unknown, it is established that activity of certain enzymes does play a role in the onset and development of the disease. The researchers targeted ADAM10 by administering an oral drug commonly used for psoriasis to Alzheimer’s patients. The drug led to elevated levels of the nerve cell-protecting growth factor APPs-alpha in their spinal fluid. This stimulates the activity of ADAM10, which reduces the buildup of amyloid plaques commonly seen in Alzheimer’s disease. ADAM10 has been shown to improve memory and enhance learning capability.
Advertisement
The medication was well tolerated among the patients. A larger clinical study is needed to establish the drug’s impact on Alzheimer’s disease patients and to determine its long-term effect.
Treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease
Treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease involve lifestyle and medical interventions. There are medications available for Alzheimer’s disease, and although they do not cure the disease they could slow down its progression and lessen disease severity. Some other treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease include:
- Taking medications as recommended by the doctor
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Keeping up with a regular daily routine to minimize memory problems
- Using calendars, diaries, memos, and reminders
- Keeping the mind active with puzzles or learning something new
- Taking time to relax
- Getting proper sleep
- Staying social and keeping a strong social network
- Visiting a memory support group
It’s also encouraged that Alzheimer’s patients maintain a healthy lifestyle as best as possible. Although there isn’t much evidence that eating well and exercising may drastically improve Alzheimer’s disease, these habits could help maintain good health, thus minimizing the risk of additional complications that could worsen Alzheimer’s disease.
Sources:
http://www.uni-mainz.de/presse/17845_ENG_HTML.php
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
