Scientists discover first drug to halt brain decline in Alzheimer’s sufferers
Human trial shows LMTX beneficial for some patients
A DRUG has stopped brain decline in Alzheimer’s patients for the first time, scientists say.
The human trial of LMTX showed no reduction in reasoning and memory of 15 per cent of 891 patients over 18 months.
Key areas of subjects’ brains also shrank a third less than others in the trial, Canada’s McGill University found.
Researcher Serge Gauthier said: “This is the first time a drug reduces the rate of brain atrophy. I am excited.”
The main aim of dementia research is finding a drug to prevent damage to the brain.
RELATED STORIES
LMTX was invented by the University of Aberdeen’s Claude Wischik, who said the development was “wonderful”.
The drug, based on a blue dye, dissolves a protein called tau, stopping it forming tangles that destroy nerve cells.
The Alzheimer’s Society’s Doug Brown said: “We’re starting to see glimmers of hope.”
Wine and chocolate 'aid brain'
RED wine and dark chocolate could help slow the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, scientists claim.
Both contain a natural antioxidant called Resveratrol, also present in red grapes and raspberries.
Researchers at America’s Georgetown University said it slows the mental decline of Alzheimer’s sufferers by reducing the ability of harmful immune molecules to infiltrate brain tissues.
Dr Charbel Moussa said: “Resveratrol imposes a kind of crowd control at the border of the brain — shutting out unwanted molecules that can exacerbate brain inflammation.”