Latest news with #AlzheimersResearchUK
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's charities identify new ways to reuse current drugs
Scientists are to examine whether drugs that are already in use could be repurposed to treat the symptoms of both Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's in a new collaboration which aims to discover novel treatments at pace. Experts say that by repurposing drugs, they can 'increase the shots on target' at tackling the diseases. This method of drug development could also reduce the time patients are left waiting for new treatments by up to 10 years, they added. It comes after the NHS spending watchdog rejected the use of new Alzheimer's drugs lecanemab and donanemab for widespread use in the health service. The drugs were approved for use in the UK last year by the UK's medicines regulator but the NHS spending watchdog, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), said they could not be used in the NHS because the benefits are 'too small' to justify the cost. Now charities Cure Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Research UK have joined forces to find current drugs that may tackle some of the common biology behind both diseases. After presentations to the International Linked Clinical Trials (iLCT), which was set up by Cure Parkinson's over a decade ago, experts from both fields will select the most promising drugs for both Parkinson's and dementia, so they can be moved quickly into clinical trials. Weight loss jabs are already being investigated for their effectiveness in treating symptoms of both diseases and experts hope to uncover more drugs that can have multiple uses. Semaglutide, the active ingredient for weight loss and diabetes drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, is being examined in clinical trials to see whether it can help patients with Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's. Trial results for the Alzheimer's trial are expected to be published later this year. Dr Sheona Scales, director of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, told the PA news agency that the iLCT project had already been 'hugely successful' with people who have Parkinson's, adding: 'Around 30% of disease modifying therapies that are in clinical trials for Parkinson's disease came through this process. 'What we wanted to do is to build on their knowledge and experience and expertise in order to be able to bring a process similar to that to Alzheimer's disease.' Dr Scales said that there are some 'common grounds' between Parkinson's and Alzheimer's – both are neurodegenerative diseases and have some 'common biological processes' – such as inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction and 'protein misfolding' – which could be targets for repurposed drugs. 'Getting multiple drugs that are targeting the disease is really important to us,' she said. 'Testing different types of drugs and getting as many shots on target is important.' She said: 'Repurposed drugs have already been demonstrated to be safe for use in humans development of new drugs for different diseases is a long process. 'What essentially bringing repurposed drugs does, is help to accelerate the drug development pipeline – it could save between five and 10 years within that process, compared to taking a new drug through clinical trials for the very first time.' Helen Matthews, chief executive of Cure Parkinson's, said the iLCT was originally set up to identify drugs that can potentially 'slow down, stop or reverse Parkinson's'. She added: 'It was through this programme that we realised that there were so many drugs that were also being looked at in the dementia field and there were commonalities there in terms of the drugs looking to reduce inflammation, or whatever it might be, there were specific pathways that those drugs were working on that could be beneficial for both disease areas. 'So given that we were already doing the (work) every year, it made sense to join forces in this way, just to add efficiencies. 'Because if you're looking at the same drugs, we'll only do that digging once, you know, only do that compilation of the dossiers once, so that you can actually take the learning for both diseases and then actually look and see which might be beneficial.' She said that the 'sharing of knowledge and digging' could also be shared with other disease areas, such as MS. And on lecanemab and donanemab, Dr Scales added: '(These) were the first disease-targeting therapies that have been licensed in the UK, but obviously are not available on the NHS at the moment. 'They showed for the very first time that we were able to alter the course of the disease. 'And what we're looking forward to now is what the next generation of treatments can bring us and how we can target different parts of the disease.' Dr Lucy Devendra, head of research at Alzheimer's Society, said: 'Repurposing medicines which are already known to be safe can help us find new treatments for the diseases that cause dementia much quicker. 'Although it is still early days, it's encouraging to see a renewed focus on this type of research and development.'
The Independent
06-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Early symptoms of Alzheimer's can now be detected with a blood test
A new blood test for Alzheimer's disease has been found to accurately detect early symptoms of the illness, according to new research from the Mayo Clinic. The study, which was carried out on more than 500 people in an outpatient memory clinic, found the blood test was highly accurate, with 95 per cent sensitivity in picking up people with memory problems, and 82 per cent specificity in ruling out people without dementia. Dr Gregg Day, who led the study in the Alzheimer's and Dementia journal, said the test was as good as more invasive tests currently in use, and is much more convenient and cost-effective. Dr Richard Oakley, associate director for research and innovation at the Alzheimer's Society in the UK, said the results 'suggest this test is very accurate' and could be used alongside other tests and observations from a trained health professional. The Blood Biomarker Challenge, supported by the Alzheimer's Society, Alzheimer's Research UK and the National Institute for Health and Care Research, aims to bring blood tests for dementia diagnosis to the NHS by 2029.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Study Links Herpes Virus To Alzheimer's Risk, But Experts Urge Caution
A new study published in the scientific journal BMJ Open has found that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which causes cold sores, is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. However, experts emphasize that the findings show correlation, not causation, and more research is needed. The study, conducted by researchers at Gilead Sciences Inc., analyzed health insurance data from 344,628 U.S. adults aged 50 and older diagnosed with Alzheimer's or related dementia between 2006 and 2021, each matched with a control of similar age, sex, and region without neurological disorders. Of those with Alzheimer's, 0.44% had a prior HSV-1 diagnosis, compared to 0.24% of controls, suggesting an 80% higher relative risk for Alzheimer's among those with HSV-1. The absolute numbers, however, remain small. Additionally, individuals treated with antiviral medication for HSV-1 showed a 17% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's compared to untreated counterparts. 'Despite the large sample size, this research has limitations partly due to only using health records and administrative claims data,' said Dr. Sheona Scales, Director of Research at Alzheimer's Research UK, in a statement to the Science Media Centre. 'Most people infected with HSV-1 don't have any symptoms, so some infections might not have been recorded.' Dr. David Vickers of the University of Calgary was more critical, stating, 'This pharma-funded research exaggerates the role of HSV-1, failing to appreciate its absence in 99.56 percent of [Alzheimer's disease] cases.' The World Health Organization estimates two-thirds of people under 50 globally carry HSV-1, a neurotropic virus that can infect nerve cells and often lies dormant after initial infection, sometimes reactivating to cause cold sores. Previous studies have detected HSV-1 DNA in postmortem Alzheimer's brains and shown it can trigger amyloid-beta plaque accumulation, a hallmark of the disease, in lab settings. A 2024 Journal of Virology study found HSV-1 can enter mouse brains, causing persistent inflammation, noting evidence for its role in Alzheimer's as 'overwhelming.' 'We're not saying viruses explain everything. But they may be central to it. This is no longer a fringe theory – it's the next phase of Alzheimer's research, and we're pursuing it,' Dr. Bryce Vissel of St. Vincent's Hospital Sydney told the Australian Science Media Centre. However, Professor Tara Spires-Jones of the University of Edinburgh cautioned, 'It is important to note that HSV-1 infection, which is extremely common in the population, is by no means a guarantee that someone will develop Alzheimer's.' The study's reliance on insurance data raises concerns, as HSV-1 is often underdiagnosed, potentially skewing results. It also lacks data on infection frequency or severity, which could influence risk. 'The study's data source makes its findings ungeneralisable, and it overstates a minor infection as a 'public health priority' to justify unnecessary treatment,' Vickers added. Other factors, like genetics, lifestyle, or healthcare access, may also contribute to Alzheimer's risk among HSV-1 carriers. Some experts see potential in antiviral treatments. 'With many GPs and the population being unaware of the dementia related benefits of treating HSV infections and preventing VZV activation through vaccination, it is time to call for actions informing those working in primary care as well as the population at large,' said Professor Cornelia van Duijn of the University of Oxford. Dr. Richard Oakley of Alzheimer's Society advised, 'If you are worried about a cold sore or your general health, be sure to seek the appropriate help from a health professional.' 'More research is needed to understand the best way to protect our brains from Alzheimer's disease as we age,' Spires-Jones said. For now, experts recommend focusing on proven brain health strategies like exercise, sleep, and a balanced diet.
Press and Journal
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Harold's books about north-east farming reach Balmoral
Harold Murray's published poems and reminisces of north-east farming life have reached some very important eyes. The retired farmer and author told us two copies of his latest book had found their way to Balmoral. Exactly who's reading his work at the King's residence on Royal Deeside is not known. But the mere fact his book – Doric, Historic and Humorous – was personally requested by a PA to the royals is a source of great pride for the 92-year-old. So too is the amount of money his latest literary offering, together with another he had published more than 20 years ago, have raised for good causes. He's sold nearly 4,700 copies of his two works, raising a whopping £26,170 for Cancer Research UK and Alzheimers Research UK. All proceeds from sales of his first book went to helping find a cure for cancer. Those from sales of his second book will support work towards the same goal for Alzheimers. The first publication, Farm Life 1900-2000, chronicles his farming life and its many changes during the last century. Harold, a noted cattle breeder and judge, was encouraged to write it all down by family friends and others. His mother lived until she was 90 and passed on a vivid account of bygone farm days. Farm Life 1900-2000 also takes in Harold's schooldays and life around Huntly before the family moved to the Turriff area. The book's initial run sold out within a week. Included in the publication are numerous photographs from the era. Harold's more recent work – also printed by W Peters and Son, of Turriff – was published just last year. It includes around 70 agriculture-related poems featuring well-known people and places connected to the farming industry. There are also many memories Harold has held on to over the decades. There are just two copies left unsold, one at the printers and the other at Huntly Mart. Harold embarked on his literary journey many years ago. Explaining his passion for it, he said: 'I just sit down and everything just seems to fall into place. 'Writing my second book, I enjoyed every hour it took. But this was due to public support, for which I am truly grateful.' I just sit down and everything just seems to fall into place.' Harold Murray He's also been a dedicated reader of The Press and Journal, published by DC Thomson, for many years. When he left home in 1949, his choice of paper was the P&J at a cost of tuppence per day. However, Harold's greatest passion is – not surprisingly – farming and he still regularly travels from his home near Turriff to attend livestock shows and sales in the north-east.
