Alzheimer's drug to treat Down syndrome?
Tuesday 2nd August 2011
A new drug could vastly improve quality of life in patients with Down syndrome if results are promising, researchers have said.
The drug, known as memantine, could potentially boost cognitive function in those with the condition, improving their quality of life.
Researchers have been studying the drug for three years in mice and humans and are now poised to analyse the data.
It is currently used to relieve the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Lead investigator Alberto Costa explained: "Right now there are drugs for the signs and symptoms of medical conditions more frequent in those with Down syndrome, but nothing to improve brain function. In fact, the prevailing wisdom has been that there is essentially nothing you can do to boost memory and learning in this group. Hopefully, we can prove them wrong."
In other news, a diabetes drug could prevent or delay the development of polycystic ovary syndrome, new research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has shown.
Written by Martin Lambert
Related articles
Fake malaria drugs prevalent across the world
Fake drugs to prevent malaria are more prevalent than first thought, according to research by the Fogarty International Centre at...
Tuesday 22nd May 2012
Winter viruses can be combated by vitamin D
Vitamin D has been highlighted as the latest weapon in order to combat winter viruses, new research has found. The supplement is...
Monday 30th April 2012
Researchers warn against widespread use of anti...
They are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs but researchers believe that anti-depressants could actually cause more harm...
Tuesday 24th April 2012
Related Pharmacy Jobs
ACT Technician to work in the Norfolk Area. Immediate startMediplacements are recruiting for a Pharmacy Technician to work...
Full infoBand 8a Pharmacist required for a locum job opportunity in North London.We are looking for an experienced Pharmacist Locum...
Full infoWe are always encouraging new registrations from qualified Pharmacists looking for jobs in the North East of England. With...
Full info