UCLA researchers have identified a new compound, DDL-920, that could potentially revolutionize the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease by restoring cognitive functions and memory. Unlike existing FDA-approved drugs that focus on removing harmful plaques in the brain, DDL-920 works by reactivating the brain’s memory circuitry. This represents a significant departure from current treatments, which, while slowing cognitive decline, do not address the underlying memory and cognitive impairments.
Molecule restores cognition, memory in Alzheimer’s disease model mice – Medical Xpress https://t.co/DUb5jmqGxu via @GoogleNews #Health #Neurology #Alzheimers #ProceedingsOfTheNationalAcademyOfSciences #Restoring #Brain #Functioning
— PH Dousma (@PHD2468) August 9, 2024
The study, led by Dr. Istvan Mody and Dr. Varghese John, involved testing the compound on mice genetically modified to exhibit Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. The researchers focused on enhancing gamma oscillations, high-frequency brain rhythms that are crucial for cognitive processes and working memory. Patients with early Alzheimer’s symptoms often show reduced gamma oscillations, a problem that the compound DDL-920 aims to address.
In the experiments, the compound was administered to the Alzheimer’s model mice twice daily for two weeks. The results were promising: the treated mice showed significant improvement in their ability to recall locations in a maze, performing on par with healthy mice. Importantly, the mice did not exhibit any abnormal behaviors or side effects during the treatment period.
🧠 Exciting discovery! ReS19-T molecules target septin isoforms to prevent harmful calcium influx in Alzheimer’s, restoring neuronal function and memory while reducing tau and Aβ pathologies. Promising therapeutic potential! #Alzheimer @sciencemagazine
⭐https://t.co/kq3EQFu5af pic.twitter.com/1IK5fBDn4s— Dr. Marcus Karlstetter (@MKarlstetterPhD) June 1, 2024
If DDL-920 proves to be safe and effective in humans, it could not only offer a new avenue for treating Alzheimer’s but also have broader implications for conditions like depression, schizophrenia, and autism, which are also associated with diminished gamma oscillations. The researchers are enthusiastic about the potential of this novel approach, which targets a mechanism of action that has not been previously explored in Alzheimer’s treatment.
Key Points:
i. Groundbreaking Discovery: UCLA researchers have identified a molecule, DDL-920, that successfully restored cognitive functions in mice with Alzheimer’s disease, potentially offering a new approach to treatment.
ii. Unique Mechanism: Unlike current FDA-approved drugs, DDL-920 works by reactivating the brain’s memory circuitry through the enhancement of gamma oscillations, which are critical for cognitive processes.
iii. Significant Improvement: In testing, Alzheimer’s model mice treated with DDL-920 showed remarkable improvement in memory recall, performing on par with healthy mice in maze tests.
iv. Broader Implications: If proven effective in humans, this compound could also be used to treat other conditions like schizophrenia, depression, and autism, which are associated with reduced gamma oscillations.
v. Future Research: While the results in mice are promising, further studies are required to confirm the compound’s safety and effectiveness in humans, paving the way for potential new treatments.
Kirk Volo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
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