Anti-Cancer Drug that Reverses the Effects of Alzheimer’s?

A drug with the original intent of treating cancer has shown the reverse effects of Alzheimer’s when tested on mice. That being said, the drug, bexarotene, was tested on both male and female mice and exhibited improved cognitive skill, memory, and ability while not showing any signs of abnormal physical side effects or behavior. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health originally tested the drug for T cell lymphoma until they noticed the improved cognitive benefits in mice expressing gene mutations similar to that of human Alzheimer’s.

Researches are trying to find the connection between bexarotene and Amyloid plaques. Amyloid plagues are derived from amyloid beta protein (which can damage or destroy neurons) and can cause the noticeable side effects of Alzheimer’s such as memory deficiency. The drug essentially decreases the amount of amyloid beta peptides in the interstitial fluid and thus helps improve cognitive skill and recollection of memories.

I found this article to be interesting because it provides yet another possible solution in the battle against Alzheimer’s. If the drug actually aids in human cognitive skill for those who express Alzheimer’s disease, the drug could be help millions and help those who suffer from the disease.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/261025.php