A DRUG that reverses Alzheimer’s by destroying proteins that cause the disease could be on the way.
It targets the “tangles” that destroy nerve cells in the brain – leading to the memory loss and confusion that blights the lives of sufferers and their families.
Experiments on mice and monkeys suggest the compound could treat neuro-degenerative diseases characterised by abnormal tau levels, including dementia and Parkinson’s.
Scientists are so excited they are now hoping to carry out trials in people.
Professor Timothy Miller, of Washington University in St Louis, said: “We’ve shown this molecule lowers levels of the tau protein, preventing and, in some cases, reversing the neurological damage.
“This compound is the first that has been shown to reverse tau-related damage to the brain that also has the potential to be used as a therapeutic in people.”
Dr David Reynolds, chief scientific officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, added: “This robust study presents an interesting and potentially powerful approach to target tau build-up in the brain.”
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