Scientists Develop Molecule That Reverses Alzheimer’s Symptoms In Mice

Scientists from the U.S. National Institutes of Health have developed and successfully tested in mice a molecule that reverses the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, including memory loss, without toxic side effects. In the study, mice injected with TFP5 experienced “substantial reduction in the various [Alzheimer’s disease] symptoms along with restoration of memory loss.” In the placebo mice, the disease progressed normally as expected. The molecule was derived from a key brain enzyme that, when over-activated, is implicated in the formation of the plaques and tangles of Alzheimer’s. The researchers hope to test the molecule in clinical trials to determine if the effects they observed in mice after TFP5 injections would apply to humans.