Existing Drug May Be Repurposed to Treat Alzheimer’s Soon

Drugs are clinically tested to address specific symptoms. Sometimes, symptoms of one disease cross over to others, making it harder to diagnose. An article posted yesterday informs us that an approved drug for one disease looks promising for another.

ALS

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354022#:~:text=Amyotrophic%20lateral%20sclerosis%20(a%2Dmy,who%20was%20diagnosed%20with%20it. ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is also called Lou Gehrig’s disease. It affects the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement (walking, talking, etc.).

As such, walking, talking, all daily activities become challenging. Tripping or falling is common. Slurred speech and other cognitive and behavioral changes worsen.

ALS is inherited in five to ten percent of people. Before age 65, more women are affected. Some researchers believe that smoking and environmental toxin exposure are probable causes of ALS. More people in the military appear to have it than the civilian population – it may be exposure to the military and wartime operations.

Riluzole

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a696013.html. Riluzole is a benzothiazole that is prescribed for ALS. This drug inhibits glutamate release, which attacks nerve cells when it exceeds certain levels in the body.

Alzheimer’s Disease

https://www.newsmax.com/health/health-news/als-lou-gehrigs-disease-alzheimers-treatment/2021/08/02/id/1030810/. Riluzole has been used for over twenty years and has been effective slowing the progress of ALS. Recent studies indicated that Riluzole also slowed the metabolic decline in the brain and would probably help Alzheimer’s patients.

A study was done with fifty Alzheimer’s patients with positive results for changing brain metabolism. In addition, patients taking the drug had measurable improvements in cognitive changes compared to the placebo group.

Conclusion

When an approved drug is evaluated for repurposing, the level and duration of clinical trials are reduced. This small study used two brain scans that proved the changes happened as expected. The target was the activity associated with glutamate dysregulation. The initiation and cycle of toxicity were significantly reduced.

Live Longer & Enjoy Life! – Red O’Laughlin – RedOLaughlin.com