Alzheimer protein deposits in the brain can be resolved

Successful removal of Alzheimer's proteins with the help of special antibodies

The deposition of amyloid beta-proteins in the brain has been considered for years as a key factor in the development of Alzheimer's. In their discovery, there was great hope to find an approach to the treatment of the disease. But for a long time little progress could be made. Now, scientists at the MedUni Vienna have presented a new approach to eliminating protein deposits in the brain.

"For years, amyloid β-protein was considered a promising therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease, but the study results were rather disappointing," reports MedUni Vienna. Although the protein and tau protein are considered to be key biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in the brain, no efficient therapies have so far been derived from this finding. However, the current Phase III study led by Elisabeth Stögmann from the Department of Neurology at MedUni Vienna has shown that monoclonal antibodies directed to amyloid plaques in the brain can resolve these plaques. To what extent the memory of those affected can be preserved, must now be clarified in further studies.

The beta-amyloid plaques in the brain of Alzheimer's patients can be resolved by a special antibody. (Image: Juan Gärtner / fotolia.com)

Alzheimer's plaques successfully resolved

"Once this positive effect has been proven, we now want to investigate whether the disappearance of the plaques also helps to stop or reduce the deterioration in the memory of the person affected. The first results are promising ", emphasizes the study leader in a press release of MedUni Vienna on the study results. In their phase III study, the researchers used the drug Aducanumab, which is given intravenously and directly attacks the protein deposits that are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease in the brain or helps to dissolve and dissolve them. The improved effect of amyloid antibodies is due to the fact that a higher dose is generally used, explains Elisabeth Stögmann.

Side effects better controllable

In addition, the recurrent side effects in the form of edema (water retention) in the brain are now much better to "manage", reports the study leader. The edema can only be seen in the start of the antibody treatment and when the dose is reduced again, the edema dissolve by itself and you can continue with the therapy as planned, without recurrence. "The patient does not notice, but I can recognize and respond correctly to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) edema"; explains the expert. About one third of those affected had corresponding edema.

Early detection of vital importance

The effect of the new antibody treatment, according to the researchers, the better the earlier it is used in those affected. However, in the case of early detection, one has to rely on obvious cognitive complaints, that is, symptoms that strike the person or the environment. The changes in the brain then usually run for years. For example, 20 years ago, the amyloid β plaques may be napping in the human body without becoming threatening, the experts explain.

New blood test in development

In the early detection, however, it could also give a significant improvement in a few years, the researchers hope. Elisabeth Stögmann reports on a lecture at the world's largest convention on Alzheimer's (AAIC in Chicago), in which a still under development blood test was presented, which already recognizes 50- or 60-year-olds amyloid-β in the blood picture and thus increased it Can indicate risk for Alzheimer's dementia. "This test could change the scene of Alzheimer's research and treatment in just a few years," the expert said.

Further studies planned

Based on the results of their research on the use of antibodies to dissolve protein deposits in the brain, the researchers at MedUni Vienna are now planning further studies to check whether the destruction of the plaques also slows down the deterioration of memory in Alzheimer's patients. First concrete results are expected in about three years, according to the neurologist Elisabeth Stögmann. (Fp)