Broad approach of new drug may prevent progression of Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease is one condition for which scientists are developing new drugs, which may one day be available through Canadian and international pharmacies. This illness is characterized by abnormal plaques and tangles that build up in the brain and disrupt memory and other functions. While some pharmaceutical researchers have focused on hampering the growth of these plaques and tangles, scientists from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies decided to broaden their focus.

In their laboratory, the study team tested a range of compounds on living nerve cells in order to see which ones protected the cells from the unhealthy effects of aging. That's when they came across J147.

When tested in mice that had conditions resembling Alzheimer's, J147 was associated with better memory and higher scores on behavioral tests. Furthermore, these mice produced more brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a molecule that supports the growth and networking of nerve cells, as published in PLoS One.

"J147 enhances memory in both normal and Alzheimer's mice and also protects the brain from the loss of synaptic connections," said researcher David Schubert. "No drugs on the market for Alzheimer's have both of these properties."

Further studies are needed to test this drug, which the researchers speculate may also be helpful in treating Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and other conditions.