Alzheimer's Disease Research

Scientists have come a long way in their understanding of AD. These advances are the foundation for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Initiative, which is designed to:

• Understand why AD occurs and who is at greatest risk of developing it.

• Improve the accuracy of diagnosis and the ability to identify those at risk.

• Discover, develop, and test new treatments.

• Find treatments for behavioral problems in persons with AD.

Developing new treatments for AD is an active area of research. Scientists are testing a number of drugs to see if they prevent AD, slow the disease, or help reduce behavioral symptoms.

• Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). There is evidence that inflammation in the brain may contribute to AD damage. Scientists are studying anti-inflammatory drugs to see if they might help slow the progression of AD. Some research has shown that people who take NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen) regularly for arthritis and other conditions are less likely to get AD.

• Vitamin E. Research has shown that vitamin E slows the progress of some AD symptoms by about 7 months. Scientists now are studying vitamin E to learn whether it can prevent or delay AD in persons with mild cognitive impairment.

• Ginkgo biloba. Recent research suggests that ginkgo biloba may be of some help in treating AD symptoms. There is no evidence that ginkgo will cure or prevent AD. Scientists now are trying to find out whether ginkgo biloba can delay or prevent dementia in older people.

• Estrogen. Research also is under way to see if the hormone estrogen reduces the risk of AD or slows the disease. Studies completed to date have shown that estrogen does not seem to help people who already have AD, but some research suggests that estrogen may help prevent AD.

Other drugs currently being tested in humans include statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) and certain B vitamins (folic acid, B6 and B12) that reduce homocysteine in the blood. A recent animal study found that the hormone testosterone may have a role in preventing AD.

People with AD who want to help scientists test experimental drugs may be able to take part in clinical trials. Clinical trials are studies to find out whether a new treatment is both safe and effective.