Alzheimer’s: A new treatment that could restore memory

Scientists have developed a molecule that can restore lost cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer’s disease. According to the researchers, similar results could be seen in humans, and the new molecule could be the basis for a new treatment against Alzheimer’s disease.

It is about researchers from the University of California in Los Angeles, the authors of this study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

The study is based on variations of gamma oscillations.

More precisely, gamma oscillations are high-frequency waves in the brain that play a role in many cognitive processes and in memory, the type of memory that is used: for example, to call a phone number that has just been mentioned. But in the early stages of the disease Alzheimer’sthese oscillations are reduced.

“The study tests a molecule called DDL-920, which amplifies these gamma oscillations. Unlike current FDA-approved treatments that target the removal of beta-amyloid plaques, DDL-920 targets brain circuits in a different way,” explained Stefania Forner, director of medical relations and scientific at the Alzheimer’s Association.

Starting with the discovery that DDL-920 increased gamma oscillations without affecting other brain functions, the researchers used the molecule in mice with Alzheimer’s disease to determine whether it caused improvement in cognitive function. Then, after doing different tests, the researchers noticed that the mice that were treated got better results in some exercises compared to the other mice that didn’t get this treatment.

However, these results should be taken with some caution. “Although this approach provides a new perspective on improving cognitive function and memory in Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to note that the research is still in its early stages.“, decided Stefania Forner, remembering the importance of further research, this time on people.

Worldwide, more than 35.6 million people are affected Alzheimer’s disease . There is currently no cure for this disease, with current treatments only succeeding in slowing the progression of the disease and reducing symptoms.

New drugs designed to remove the amyloid plaques that mimic Alzheimer’s disease have been hailed as the first to change the course of the disease. However, research has raised concerns about their side effects.