New drug could lower risk of Alzheimer's disease, study finds

Researchers have tested a new drug that may lead to a medical breakthrough in the battle against Alzheimer’s disease.

In a recent study, the team tested the drug on mice, which they learned helped the animals retain memory and brain function by blocking a damaging enzyme.

Scientists also found that it has the potential to also protect the brain from damage caused by Alzheimer’s and preserve memory and thinking skills, Consumer Affairs reported. 

What’s the name of the drug, and how does it work?

Why you should care:

The drug called SW033291 was used by scientists to block an enzyme called 15-PGDH, which becomes more active in the blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer’s cases.

The blood-brain barrier is a layer of cells that acts as a protective barrier, guarding the brain from harmful substances in the blood while letting in nutrients and other molecules, Consumer Affairs note, citing a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Researchers noted in their study that in Alzheimer’s disease and other brain disorders, the blood-brain barrier can break down early on. And when this happens, the damage causes  dangerous substances to enter the brain, resulting in inflammation, cell death, and memory loss and confusion.

In the May 21 study, researchers determined that SW033291 apparently has the ability to protect the brain and it effectively worked when given a full day after a brain injury, like a concussion.

Scientists noted in their study that while SW033291 might offer a safer and improved way to treat or even prevent Alzheimer’s disease, extra research, and testing, including clinical trials in humans, is necessary before it can become an approved treatment.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Dig deeper:

According to the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s disease is a common form of dementia, a brain disorder that slowly destroys a person’s memory and thinking skills. It is characterized by a loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning — and behavioral abilities to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities.