A New Alzheimer’s Pill That Targets the Disease at Its Root

A New Alzheimer’s Pill Offers Hope

Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing memory loss and cognitive decline. Recently, a new pill called Xanamem has shown promise in slowing down or even stopping this decline. Developed by the Australian biotechnology company Actinogen Medical, Xanamem works by reducing cortisol levels in the brain. High cortisol levels can damage brain regions affected by Alzheimer’s, such as the hippocampus.

Xanamem is unique because it only targets cortisol production in the brain, without affecting other parts of the body. This means it doesn’t have negative effects on blood pressure or other organs. The drug is currently being tested in clinical trials across the USA and Australia. Participants must be over 50, have mild to moderate Alzheimer’s, and not have severe organ impairments.

Another approach to treating Alzheimer’s involves targeting amyloid plaques, which are proteins that build up in the brain and interfere with cognitive function. A drug called gantenerumab was tested on people with genetic mutations that guarantee Alzheimer’s development. Although its development was stopped due to mixed results, it showed potential in delaying symptom onset when used over a longer period.

These developments bring hope for those affected by Alzheimer’s, offering potential ways to manage or even prevent the disease. As research continues, the goal is to find treatments that can significantly improve the quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s.