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German researchers have recently discovered a possibility to treat Alzheimer's disease with a drug for dermal disorder, Johannes Gutenberg university Mainz announced on Monday.
The results of the related study have recently been published in the journal Neurology.
A drug which has been approved for the treatment of the dermal disorder psoriasis stimulates the activity of the enzyme ADAM10 in the brain of Alzheimer's patients, researchers have found.
As evidence from basic research showed, the enzyme should be capable of suppressing Alzheimer's disease-related effects such as impaired cerebral function and that it thus might improve learning and memory capacity in patients.
In animal models of Alzheimer's disease, it has also been shown that ADAM10 enhances learning and memory capacity.
Meanwhile, the medication was well-tolerated by the patients, said Johannes Gutenberg university Mainz.
In order to further investigate the effect of the test substance on cognitive performance and to establish whether it can be used as a long-term treatment for Alzheimer's patients, larger clinical trials in which the substance is administered for longer periods will need to be undertaken, according to Johannes Gutenberg university Mainz.
