Drugs used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes help to reverse Alzheimer's disease, reveals a new study.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and affects thousands of people globally. It is a progressive disease that begins with slight loss of memory, which can lead to the inability to make a conversation and also respond to the environment.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that in 2013 there were 5 million Americans over the age of 65 who suffered from Alzheimer's disease. However, the disease is estimated to affect about 13.8 million Americans by 2050.
Alzheimer's disease does not have a cure, and treatment only involves slowing or delaying the progression of the disease. However, latest research conducted by the scientists at the Lancaster and Ulster universities suggests that the progression of Alzheimer's disease can be reversed with the use of type 2 diabetes drugs such as liraglutide and lixisenatide.
Professor Christian Holscher, of Lancaster University who is the lead researcher of the study, revealed that they tested the effects of type 2 diabetes drugs on lab mice. These mice were given type 2 diabetes drugs for 10 continuous weeks. Their memories improved and they were able to recognize objects better.
"Lixisenatide and liraglutide offer a real improvement by treating the basis of the disease and, therefore, preventing degeneration," says Holscher.
The researchers also point at previous study which highlights that insulin can help in the protection of brain against Alzheimer's disease. The latest study also reveals that insulin can also help repair damaged neurons in the brain.
Dr. Simon Ridley, the Head of Research at Alzheimer's Research UK, reveals that it is known that diabetic patients are at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later on in life. However, experts do not have clear explanation on how the two diseases are linked together.
Dr. Ridley suggests that the latest study is very important as it can help in the development of advanced treatments for Alzheimer's in the near term. As experts have proven that type 2 diabetes drugs have shown positive results on lab mice, the next significant step will be to conduct clinical trials on humans.
Dr. James Pickett, the Head of Research at Alzheimer's Society, also expressed his optimism for the latest research. He added that the Alzheimer's Society will be funding clinical trials of the drugs on patients suffering from initial stage of Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Pickett believes that looking at the severity of the disease, the research work needs speeding up which will help scientists to develop an effective cure of the disease in the next 10 years.
The study was published in the journal Neuropharmacology.
