Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's May Respond to Vaccine Therapy
In 2002 research projects into a vaccine for Alzheimer's were stopped because 18 patients developed brain inflammation. The vaccine was developed to stimulate the immune system to fight plaque building beta-amyloid. It is these plaques that are thought to be a cause of Alzheimer's disease.
The research project, involving 300 participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer's, was stopped, but two follow up studies have continue to monitor the group. Their findings, reported in May 2005 edition of Neurology, are showing some encouraging results.
The 300 men and women received between one to three injections of the vaccine, 72 received a placebo. Researchers have found that 20% had developed antibodies to the plaque causing beta-amyloid protein. This implies that their immune systems are attacking this protein.
This immune system response is very interesting if it can be controlled. It may slow the progression of Alzheimer's or even prevent the disease from developing.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans of the brain showed the 20% vaccine responders had decreased brain volume. The researchers believe that this is possibly due to a reduction in plaque build-up. Researcher also found that the immune responders did a bit better in memory tests than the placebo group.
In the group of people who did respond to the vaccine all but 2 of these 59 received two doses of the vaccine.
As you will judge from the findings the vaccine is still in very early stages of development and there is still the problem of controlling the immune response and the inflammatory reaction that occurred in a significant number of study participants. Research into alternative forms of vaccine based therapies continue.
Research Volunteers
It also shows us two other things. People who take part in drug studies deserve our great admiration and thanks and that drug companies and researchers continue to look for cures and treatments for Alzheimer's giving us all hope for the future.
Both of the studies were funded by Elan Corporation and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
