| New Alzheimer's Drug May Help Sustain Memories
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2007-01-12
Allen Mask, M.D.
New
York — Alzheimer's disease is a devastating illness that steals
away memories, but a Chinese herb could lead to a breakthrough to
slow the effects.
Many long-term memories are fine, but
Alzheimer's disease makes short-term memory fade quickly. Health
experts said a chemical called acetycholine helps new memories travel
through the brain.
Alzheimer's disease affects the production
of acetycholine, in effect stealing memories. However, researchers
hope a experimental drug, huperzine, which is derived from a natural
Chinese herb, can change that.
Dr. Hillel Grossman of Mt.
Sinai Medical Center, said it works similar to drugs currently on the
market that boost acetycholine. He is testing it on patients to see
if it works better.
"If you can prop up the amount of the
acetylcholine that is there, that's available, flowing through the
neurons then memory can be sustained," he said.
The new
is part of a nationwide clinical trial. One of the testing sites is
at UNC Hospitals. If you would like more information, you can call
919-966-5039.
Copyright
2007 by WRAL.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be
published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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