A major news alert service is reporting that a potential new type of
compound called an "ionophore" has been shown to "reverse Alzheimer's
within days." The work was done by a long list of scientists, mainly
from Australia, who were studying Alzheimers in mice.

Reading the details on this one, it seemed to be an example of an
overenthusiastic person writing up a press release. I don't know why
it is, but for some reason the field of Alzheimers research seems to
be wide open for incredible claims. When I read words like "reverse
Alzheimer's within days," I wince, as we've had other "remarkable
developments" that have done nothing other than to hurt caregivers and
the families of those who have this terrible ailment.

Regardless, scientists report a remarkable improvement in Alzheimer's
transgenic mice following treatment with this new drug prospect. The
study, published by Cell Press in the July 10th issue of the journal
"Neuron", provides the first demonstration that an ionophore, a
compound that transports metal ions across cell membranes, can elicit
rapid and pronounced improvement in neuropathology and cognitive
function in mouse models of Alzheimer's Disease.

Recent research has implicated dysregulation of metal ions in the
brain, particularly copper and zinc, in the pathogenesis of the
disease, and in the damaging accumulation of amyloid beta protein that
is characteristic of this devastating disease. This type of compound,
an ionophore clioquinol, has been shown to increase intracellular
copper and zinc levels and decrease amyloid beta protein levels in
cultured cells and in the brains of mice. However, earlier studies in
mice and humans demonstrated that brain entry of this compound was
quite limited.

When Dr. Ashley I. Bush from the Mental Health Research Institute of
Victoria in Australia and his colleagues examined the therapeutic
potential of a second generation compound designed for easier
synthesis (which they are calling PBT2), they found a higher
solubility and increased blood-brain barrier permeability in the mouse
models. They believe they are on the right track for getting this
compound past the blood/brain barrier.

PBT2 was shown to be a superior ionophore when compared to the earlier
version, and the researchers went on to test amyloid beta protein
levels and cognitive outcomes after oral treatment with this compund.
They found that oral treatment with PBT2 induced a dramatic
improvement in learning and memory in both mice models of Alzheimers,
accompanied by a marked inhibition of Alzheimers-like symptoms.

"These outcomes were rapid, with reduction of soluble amyloid beta
protein  occurring within hours, and significant cognitive benefits
seen within days of first administration of the compound," says Dr.
Bush.

The report indicates that humans are now getting this compound;
"recent clinical trials in AD patients taking oral PBT2 have been
promising and support PBT2 as a viable treatment for Alzheimers"
report the authors.

Dave

Full text article above is extracted from http://shamvswham.blogspot.com/