The road to the development of effective Alzheimer's drugs is paved with disappointments. There is still no drug available that really represents a breakthrough in the treatment of this widespread disease and that could prevent dementia. And only very few active substances show any effect at all - but these do not last forever and do not permanently combat Alzheimer's symptoms.
"So far, there is no drug that can cure Alzheimer's disease. However, an effective therapy will be available at some point,
says Professor Isabella Heuser, from the board of the Hirnliga e. V. "Research is progressing intensively and there are promising results, but also disillusionment. For example, the euphoria about a cause-related treatment that will soon be available has faded. As researchers, we can only keep urgently recommending that all existing options for prevention and treatment be used." For example, it is known that the treatment of diabetes and high blood pressure reduces the risk of developing dementia, says the expert.
Healthy lifestyle reduces risk
New studies also show that the increase in the number of cases in some countries is no longer as high as expected. The reason for this appears to be a healthier lifestyle with a better diet and more exercise. However, there are a few rays of light on the horizon when it comes to Alzheimer's therapy. Scientists from Munich have successfully tested a substance that inhibits the formation of amyloids. These proteins are probably one of the main triggers of dementia.
Initial success in animal experiments
The researchers have so far only tested the active substance on mice. They gave it to diseased animals at an early stage when memory problems had already occurred. The substance now stopped the formation of the clumpy proteins in the brain and the mice's memory improved again. A first step, after all.
Antidepressants have a mitigating effect
Clinical studies on humans are to follow soon. Only then will it become clear whether the results can also be transferred to two-legged Alzheimer's patients. Antidepressants also appear to have a mitigating effect on Alzheimer's disease. These so-called SSRIs are particularly effective in the early stages of dementia. They then maintain memory performance for longer than without such treatment. However, the drugs must be taken over a longer period of time in order to achieve this effect - according to the results of a study. Normally, only patients with depression are given such drugs. It was therefore difficult for the researchers to clearly filter out the effect of the drugs on dementia. This is because brain performance is often impaired in depression anyway. In the end, however, it was clearly demonstrated that the drugs help. Whether they will now also be prescribed to Alzheimer's patients without depression remains to be seen.