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Trials of 11 drugs give best hope yet of treatment for Alzheimer's
Anna Davis19 Mar 2009
NEW drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease could be available within the next five years, experts said today.
Researchers said they are closer than ever to finding an effective drug to help the 700,000 people in the UK who suffer from some form of dementia.
Eleven drugs that could slow the progress of Alzheimer's are in the final stage of clinical trials and initial tests are being carried out on up to 80 more.
Professor Simon Lovestone, from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London, said: "In the next five to 10 years there is a chance of treatment that slows down the rate of progression in Alzheimer's. Many drugs fail the final trials but there are so many in the pipeline it is very likely if funding continues that we have a chance of success in the next decade.
"Thousands of patients are taking these drugs in trials. It is undoubtedly the best position we've been in over the past two decades of research."
Professor John Harwood, an Alzheimer's expert from the University of Cardiff, said current drugs have a "modest effect" on symptoms. "They also have a limited effect over time so after six months to a year they stop having an effect," he added.
The new drugs are designed to work for a longer period of time. They are being tested on patients who have Alzheimer's but in the future they may be given to people at risk of developing the disease.
Professor Lovestone said: "The drugs probably won't stop the disease in its tracks but we hope to see a shallowing off of the decline in the patient. The average dementia sufferer is in their eighties so if we can give that person two more years of good quality life then it would be a wonderful thing."
Researchers are also looking at the impact of fish oils on Alzheimer's disease. Professor Harwood said studies have shown that omega 3 fatty acids, found in fish, may prevent the onset of the disease.
Reader views (2)
I's surely a good idea to take an Omega-3 (fish oil) supplement every day. There's a lot of evidence that it keeps one's brain in better condition. Maybe that can prevent Alzheimers. Maybe that can only delay the onset of Alzheimers (but for some, a delay will mean that they never do develop it). Maybe it'll just make you feel better now. Above all, fish oil won't do you any harm!
- Nigel, London, 20/03/2009 11:35
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All very interesting; and nothing new etc; so as there is no known cure for most dementias; then the emphasise should be directed at those that have dementia today etc; as few will be alive in five or ten years etc.
Simple things like really helping carers properly; not just talk and delusional propaganda to hide the real facts of day to day caring etc.
You see it’s like this; dump them all on the state; and their alleged care facilities with chemical coshing and neglect; or help carers to give personal and direct help to the ones they care for etc.
In the main; carers do not ask for much; and simple little things can mean so much for those with dementia; and their quality of life etc.
I do not have the space on this forum to elaborate more; but in short; those that are suffering from all kinds of dementia; that can’t be cured today, if ever; can live a longer and happier life; with a little more direct help and thinking etc.
- Mickyinlondon, london, 19/03/2009 18:04
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