Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition which is associated with the formation of abnormal protein structures in the brain. Scientists think that these structures lead to nerve cell death and diminishing brain function. A new drug is said to help reduce molecular molecules which occur in the disease with promising results.
What are the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease?
Memory loss
Poor judgment leading to bad decisions
Loss of spontaneity and sense of initiative
Taking longer to complete normal daily tasks
Repeating questions
Trouble handling money and paying bills
Wandering and getting lost
Losing things or misplacing them in odd places
Mood and personality changes
Increased anxiety and/or aggression
Gantenerumab is a fully human antibody, a protein that is designed to interact with a specific target, said Alzheimer’s News Today.
The site added: “Once gantenerumab binds to beta-amyloid, it is thought to disassemble the plaques that have formed and remove beta-amyloid by stimulating phagocytosis, a process where a cell takes a certain molecule inside itself and digests it.
“Researchers hope that reducing beta-amyloid will benefits patients, potentially slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.”
“These biomarker results suggest that gantenerumab had a favourable impact on the target and downstream markers of Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Disease,” said Dr Rachelle Doody, global head of neurodegeneration at Roche and Genentech.
She added: “We support the continued scientific investigation of gantenerumab in Washington University’s exploratory, open-label extension study to build on learnings from DIAN-TU-001 and are grateful to be a part of this close collaboration between industry, academia and patients as we continue to tackle the complex challenge of Alzheimer’s disease.
“We are encouraged by the advancements being made and look forward to continued progress for people with Alzheimer’s disease.”
