A groundbreaking study has revealed that an experimental nasal spray is showing potential in addressing Alzheimer’s disease by targeting harmful protein buildups in the brain.
Alzheimer’s disease remains the leading cause of dementia, accounting for approximately 70% of cases globally. Current treatments mainly focus on alleviating symptoms, but the development of disease-modifying therapies has been limited. Recent research from Texas A&M University College of Medicine suggests a promising new approach. The study employed a mouse model to investigate the effects of a nasal spray designed to reduce neuroinflammation associated with Alzheimer’s.
The nasal spray aims to target microglia and astrocytes—immune cells in the brain that become overactive in Alzheimer’s patients, causing inflammation and nerve cell damage. In healthy brains, these cells protect neurons and clear damaged tissue, but in Alzheimer’s patients, their overactivity leads to adverse effects. Using a treatment derived from stem cells in extracellular vesicles, the spray seeks to moderate this immune response, reducing inflammation and the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques.
Researchers administered the spray to mice genetically modified to exhibit Alzheimer-like symptoms, as well as to wild-type mice. Post-treatment analyses demonstrated that the mice receiving the nasal spray exhibited reduced inflammatory markers and fewer beta-amyloid plaques, particularly in the hippocampus, a critical region involved in learning and memory.
In addition to the reduction in harmful protein buildups, behavioral tests indicated improved cognitive function and mood in treated mice compared to their untreated counterparts. These findings provide a glimpse into the potential impact of such a treatment in delaying Alzheimer’s progression by potentially up to 15 years. However, experts like Courtney Kloske, PhD, stress the need for comprehensive human studies to confirm these promising results, underscoring the complex nature of brain immune cells and their responses over time.
While the initial outcomes are encouraging, questions regarding potential side effects remain. Notably, the study reports that the nasal spray significantly altered gene expression in microglia without diminishing their ability to clear protein buildups. Despite these findings, experts, including neurologist Steven Allder, emphasize the importance of assessing any long-term consequences and ensuring the safety of manipulating immune responses in the brain.
The potential of nasal drug delivery systems also garners attention. The Alzheimer’s Association, represented by Courtney Kloske, highlights the importance of exploring various treatment avenues and delivery methods to widen the therapeutic landscape for Alzheimer’s patients. She advocates for strategic research and funding to develop diverse therapies that can be effective at different stages of the disease.
The ongoing research into nasal sprays for Alzheimer’s treatment reflects a promising frontier in combating this debilitating disease. While the initial results in animal models are promising, further clinical trials are essential to fully understand the potential benefits and risks for human patients. As research continues, the hope is to develop safer, more effective treatments that can enhance the quality of life for those affected by Alzheimer’s.
Source: Medicalnewstoday
