Groundbreaking Alzheimer’s Research Unveils Promising Prevention Method
A revolutionary breakthrough in Alzheimer’s research has been reported by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). A research team led by Dr. Sue Griffin has identified a potential drug to prevent Alzheimer’s disease in individuals with the so-called Alzheimer’s gene (APOEε4), present in approximately 50-65% of people affected by the condition.
This research stands out from most other studies, which have focused on treatments to clear away the brain’s plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Griffin’s team, instead, is focusing on prevention. Their findings, published in Communications Biology, include the discovery of a druggable target and a drug candidate known as CBA2.
Dr. Griffin’s pioneer work in neuroinflammation and her team’s innovative approach are changing the landscape of Alzheimer’s research. The team has made significant progress by identifying a protein called ApoE4, which is responsible for the formation of plaques and tangles in the brain. This understanding has guided the development of CBA2, which could potentially prevent the disease altogether.
The UAMS team’s research has been funded by a five-year, .35 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. The funding will be used to conduct larger-scale preclinical research on CBA2 and test other potential drug candidates.
This significant breakthrough offers new hope for millions of people around the world who are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The potential to prevent the disease rather than just treat its symptoms is a monumental achievement, and researchers continue to push forward in their quest to combat neurodegenerative disorders.
