Scientists Rethink Alzheimer's, Diversifying the Drug Search

Scientists are redefining the search for Alzheimer's-treating drugs by refocusing from amyloid buildup in the brain to other pathways, reports the Associated Press . Alternatives under consideration include the brain's immune system and inflammation. Studies on the brain immune cells, or microglia, demonstrate that "they're much more active and play a much more significant role" in the health of neurons, said U.S. National Institute on Aging Director Richard Hodes. Meanwhile, David Holtzman at Washington University in St. Louis suggested microglia may play the crucial role in the toxicity of amyloid and tau proteins that leads to Alzheimer's. The discovery of different strains of herpes viruses in Alzheimer's-affected brain tissue also opens up new research avenues, with scientists in New York evaluating the drug valacyclovir's effect on people with mild Alzheimer's who exhibit herpes infection symptoms. Moreover, Cortexyme is enlisting early-stage participants to test a drug that targets potentially neuron-damaging substances produced by gingivitis bacteria, which also has been detected in Alzheimer's-riddled brains. Aggressive inflammation in the brains of people with dementia also hints at an immune system connection, with a number of drugs being investigated to regulate this effect.