Bexarotene For Alzheimer's

Hi - has anyone else heard about the research being done on Bexarotene as a viable Alzheimer's treatment? Apparently they have been testing it in mice and it appears to quickly and effectively stop (and even reverse) degeneration in the brain tissue.

They basically took mice which were genetically engineered to exhibit Alzheimer's symptoms (yeah, cruel, I know) and observed how their brains would get built up with amyloid beta peptides (which are basically thought to exist in excess as plaque in the brains of people suffering from Alzheimer's and it causes the blocking up of neurons and cell death). And of course the mice would exhibit some of the classic early signs such as forgetfulness.

Anyways, Scientific American has described some of the findings: "with just a single dose it lowered the most toxic form of the amyloid beta peptide by 25 percent within six hours, an effect that lasted for up to three days. Mice that were cognitively impaired by the amyloid buildup resumed normal behaviors after 72 hours: They began to crinkle toilet paper placed nearby to make nests, a skill lost as amyloid increased in their brains." [1]

Supposedly they should be starting human clinical trials in the next few months. I must say that this is pretty promising! My grandmother is in the late stages and it would have been nice if such a treatment could have existed for her 10 years ago. What does everybody think? Do you think that they will move forward and eventually offer this as a "cure" in the coming years?

References:
[1] http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=alzheimers-disease-sympto
[2] Scientific publication: http://www.sciencemag.org/content/early/2012/02/08/science.1217697

REPLY

REPORT

Apparently this is not the first time this drug has been tested in "humans" for mental conditions, check out this link:

Bexarotene as Add-On to Antipsychotic Treatment in Schizophrenia Patients: A Pilot Open-Label Trial

This pilot study supports Bexarotene as a potential valuable adjunct in management of schizophrenia, is it that much of a leap to think it could also be helpful in management of Alzheimer’s or other forms of Dementia? I have an appointment with my Dad’s doc on Monday to discuss off-label use.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hi Ron, my name is Mario from Italy my mother has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer. I did read that you did ask your dads doctor to discuss about possibility of starting a treatment with bexarotene, if you get to do that could you please let me know, in case, about any improvement....would be very encouraging to hear also a small word....thanks a lot.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

We never got the chance to try Mario, my pappa passed away March 24th after suffering with the disease for a few years, he was 91. His doctor was responsive to trying Bexarotene but wanted to get his congestive heart failure under control first which unfortunately did not happen in-time. I wish your mother and your family all the best, ciao Renato

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I'm really very sorry to hear about your lost. I want thank you for your reply and for the little of hope that you give me. Thank you very much and good luck....Mario

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

has anyone tried somazine for alzheimers? my wife who has the problem has not had a prescription for it ## Hello, Lenhop...

2 REPLIES

I take Cymbalta 30 mg for the Adrenalin, to treat and control My A/D which I was diagnosed with in 2007, I began taking ...

2 REPLIES

My mother-in-law has dementia and has been prescribed Brintellix as one of her meds. Can this help with the dementia / a...

1 REPLY

I would like to know how to obtain one of these care packages to help my family have a better understanding about the de...

3 REPLIES

I was diagnosed with EOD of the Alzheimers type in 2007, by mid 2010, I was so ill, I asked my Doctor for a shot of Adre...

3 REPLIES

My husband has Alzheimers and became combative at the Memory Care Facility where he lives. They sent him to the hospital...

1 REPLY

My physician said that a highly respected researcher has found through a study, where, one group was given Metanx & ...

1 REPLY

My mother was on Lipitor for over 10 years, since 6 years ago she developed Alzheimer's symptoms, she short term and...

3 REPLIES

I am a caregiver for a 79 year old female and watching her decline really stresses me out. I wished to god I could help ...

3 REPLIES

my mother needs embrel....