Restoring Memory in Alzheimers

April 8, 2002 -- A single dose of an experimental vaccine can reverse memory damage caused by Alzheimer's disease in mice. Although human tests are still needed, researchers say the new findings may bring them a step closer to developing an effective Alzheimer's vaccine for people.

The study, published in the April 8 issue of Nature Neuroscience, shows that a shot of the antibody known as m266 almost immediately improved the memory of mice with symptoms of the disease. Memory improvement was found despite the fact that brain-clogging plaque remained in the brain. Protein deposits or plaques are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

Researcher Steven Paul and colleagues at the Lilly Research Laboratories, Washington University School of Medicine, and Louis Pasteur University have had previous success with long-term immunization using m266 in mice. But it was unclear whether the antibody worked to improve memory function by reducing protein deposits in the brain or in another way.

This study suggests that m266 may fight the beta-amyloid protein responsible for creating the memory-robbing plaque in other, more immediate, ways to restore function. The authors say the study shows the antibody may block the protein in the blood before it reaches the brain and causes damage.

The treatment requires much more research before human testing can begin. Previous trials with a similar antibody treatment were stopped after dangerous side effects were reported.

About 4 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's, a progressive neurological disease that robs the sufferer of memory and brain function.