Potential Alzheimer’s Drug Prevents Abnormal Blood Clots in the Brain

New experiments at Rockefeller University have identified a compound that might halt the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by interfering with the role amyloid-β plays in the formation of blood clots. By targeting the protein’s ability to bind to a clotting agent in blood, the researchers’ work offers a promising new strategy, according to the study published in Nature Reviews Drug Discovery. This latest study builds on previous work in lab showing amyloid-β can interact with fibrinogen to form difficult-to-break-down clots that alter blood flow, cause inflammation and choke neurons. “Our experiments in test tubes and in mouse models of Alzheimer’s showed the compound, known as RU-505, helped restore normal clotting and cerebral blood flow. But the big pay-off came with behavioral tests in which the Alzheimer’s mice treated with RU-505 exhibited better memories than their untreated counterparts,” said Sidney Strickland. “These results suggest we have found a new strategy with which to treat Alzheimer’s disease.” To learn more about the study, click here.