Jul 9, 2008 4:20 pm US/Eastern
New Alzheimer's Drug May Reverse Disease
MIAMI (CBS) ―
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A doctor looks at images from a brain scan. (File)
CBS
A new drug that balances the transport of heavy metals across cell membranes appears to reverse the effects of Alzheimer's disease within days according to a new report from the medical journal Neuron.
Research in copper and zinc may play a critical role in Alzheimer's, and scientists report a remarkable improvement in mice that have a version of the disease, according to a report by CBS station WFOR-TV in Miami.
The study, published in the July 10 issue "provides the first demonstration that an ionophore, a compound that transports metal ions across cell membranes, can elicit rapid and pronounced improvement in neuropathology and cognitive function in mouse models of Alzheimer's Disease."
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