Researchers Claim Breakthrough Cure for Alzheimer's

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RESEARCHERS CLAIM BREAKTHROUGH CURE FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

> ANI

> Thursday, December 18, 2003

>

>

http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IE320031217105211 & Page=3 & Title=F

> eatures+%2D+Health+%26+Science & Topic=166 &

>

> SYDNEY - Researchers at Melbourne's Mental Health Research Institute have

> reportedly discovered a possible cure for Alzheimer's disease.

>

> According to a Herald Sun report, the researchers said that the

> controversial drug Clioquinol, known as PBT-1, slowed the Alzheimer's

> deterioration process in a small group of moderately to severely affected

> patients.

>

> US authorities withdrew the drug, used as an antibiotic in the 1970s,

after

> it was reported to have caused Vitamin B deficiencies in thousands of

> people, mostly Japanese. In some cases it even lead to blindness.

>

> But University of Melbourne Professor Colin Masters said that the drug

> worked on Alzheimer's patients by decreasing the levels of Amyloid Beta, a

> major protein associated with plaques in the brain.

>

> Many neuroscientists believe that a build-up of Amyloid Beta in the brain

> causes Alzheimer's disease. " It is extremely encouraging to see findings

> like this in a clinical setting, " Masters said.

>

> The study of 36 patients assessed memory, orientation, language, attention

> and reasoning. It found the deterioration process of the 18 patients

treated

> with the drug was significantly slower than those who received placebos.

>

> Masters said it was also encouraging to see patients tolerating the drug

> after receiving Vitamin B supplements during the 36- week-long trial.

>

>