New Alzheimer's treatment tested

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov. 27 (UPI) -- A U.S. study has shown a cocktail of three compounds normally in the blood stream promotes new brain connections and improves cognitive function in rodents.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers are testing the treatment on Alzheimer's patients and say it might hold promise for other brain diseases and injuries.

The mixture, which includes a type of omega-3 fatty acid, is part of a new approach to attacking Alzheimer's that focuses on correcting the loss of synapses that characterizes the disease.

For 30 years, researchers have tried targeting the clumps of misfolded proteins, known as amyloid beta plaques, found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.

"It's been very frustrating," said Dr. Richard Wurtman, the study's senior author. "Nobody has demonstrated that if you prevent formation of the amyloid, people get better."

Researchers agree the cognitive decline seen in Alzheimer's patients is caused by loss of brain synapses. Wurtman and others theorize restoring some of the synapses might provide an effective treatment, analogous to giving L-dopa to Parkinson's patients.

Although such treatments don't cure the disease, they can restore significant brain function, said Wurtman.

The research is detailed in the November issue of the journal Brain Research.