New drug could slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, says study

A BREAKTHROUGH drug could slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, a major trial suggests.

US researchers said the treatment could become the first disease-modifying drug on the market, sparking hopes it could one day lead to a cure. The findings, presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Chicago last night, were “intriguing” scientists said.

The trial, involving 856 patients with early Alzheimer’s disease, found those given the highest dose of a drug called BAN2401 showed significantly slower progression of the disease than those in the control group. They also saw a reduction in amyloid beta plaques associated with the disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association last night said the findings were “intriguing”. In recent years, a number of new drugs have showed promise in tackling dementia, yet failed to succeed in later trials. The findings from the 18-month trial of BAN2401 caused surprise at the Chicago conference as the first set of results at 12 months were poor.

The latest findings found those given the drug performed significantly better than those given a placebo drug when cognitive skills were tested, 18 months later. The changes to the amyloid beta plaques showed the biological effect of the drugs. Manufacturers Eisai and Biogen said they would embark on further trials in other countries.

Blood pressure targets should be revised to cut the risk of dementia, researchers suggest. Around seven million Britons whose blood pressure exceeds 140/90mm Hg are urged to take daily medication. But NHS watchdogs are considering whether this is low enough, after a number of studies suggested even lower levels were needed to lessen the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The new study from Wake Forest School of Medicine, North Carolina, suggests that cutting the threshold could also significantly cut the risk of dementia.