Researchers at the University of Manchester are exploring the possibility of repurposing existing drugs to combat dementia. This comes as developing new medications for diseases like Alzheimer’s can be both costly and time-consuming.
The potential for repurposing drugs already approved for other health conditions could offer a faster route to treatment and pave the way for innovative approaches to addressing dementia-related diseases, experts suggest. One such drug being considered is methazolamide, typically used for glaucoma. Researchers are investigating if this treatment could help restore nerve cell health in Alzheimer’s patients.
Additionally, the study is looking into thiazolidinediones, a class of diabetes drugs, to see if they could be effective in preventing or treating vascular dementia, a type of dementia caused by decreased blood flow to the brain. Professor Nigel Hooper, leading the research on methazolamide, highlighted the drug’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and activate an enzyme (ACE2) crucial for maintaining healthy neurons in the brain.
The three-year research project, supported by funding from Alzheimer’s Research UK, is leveraging human stem cells to explore the activation of the ACE2 enzyme by methazolamide. Simultaneously, the drug is being tested on mice to observe its impact on Alzheimer’s disease progression in the brain. Dr. Joyce Huang, investigating the potential of diabetes drugs in treating vascular dementia, points to their anti-inflammatory properties that could be beneficial in this regard.
The researchers are utilising the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) primary care database to identify any correlation between individuals taking the medication and the risk of developing vascular dementia. With promising results, they aim to progress to clinical trials. Dr. Susan Kohlhaas, from Alzheimer’s Research UK, emphasised the importance of investing in repurposed research to accelerate advancements in dementia treatment.
As the study unfolds, there is optimism surrounding the potential for leveraging repurposed drugs to make significant strides in combating dementia-related diseases. With nearly one million people in the UK affected by dementia, the research holds promise not only for older populations but also for younger individuals at risk. This marks a crucial turning point in the field of dementia research, with the possibility of building on current treatments to further enhance patient outcomes.