The drug troriluzole can reverse memory loss and cognitive decline in mice, and could potentially help to tackle Alzheimer’s disease, new research suggests.
The study from researchers at Auburn University is the first to show how troriluzole can target early-stage alterations associated with Alzheimer’s, providing new hope for potential treatments.
Dr Miranda Reed, a Professor in the department of Drug Discovery at Auburn University and Delivery and the study’s lead researcher, said “By examining how drug treatments can intervene early in the disease process, we aim to develop therapies that might prevent or even cure Alzheimer’s.”
Dr Michael Gramlich, an Assistant Professor of Biophysics, added:
Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people worldwide, causing progressive memory loss, confusion, and eventually the inability to perform basic tasks.
Alzheimer’s is caused by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, which disrupt neural communication.
In the early stages, excessive levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate cause damaging overactivity in synapses, the connections between nerve cells.
The new study investigated how troriluzol can maintain normal brain function in mice genetically modified to replicate early Alzheimer’s stages.
Mice treated with troriluzole showed a significant reduction in synaptic glutamate levels and decreased brain hyperactivity.
The results showed that troriluzole not only reduced harmful glutamate levels but also improved memory and learning in the mice, suggesting a maintenance of healthy brain function.
The molecular changes led to tangible improvements: the treated mice performed better in memory tests, such as navigating mazes, indicating that their cognitive functions were restored.
The researchers said: “Our research demonstrates that by targeting synaptic activity early, we may be able to prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.
“This could revolutionise the way we approach treatment for this disease.”
