Diabetes drugs offer hope in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, notes research

A clinical study, performed by researchers from the UK and China, has demonstrated that novel triple receptor agonists (TAs) originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes, significantly reversed memory loss in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.

The research, published in the journal Brain Research, evaluated a TA that activates specific peptide receptors in the brain simultaneously in the APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment was administered via injection for two months.

It was found that the TA significantly reversed the memory loss in the mice while also affecting the amounts of apoptotic proteins and levels of growth factor that protect synaptic function.

Professor Christian Holscher, from Lancaster University, who led the research, said to The Independent these “very promising outcomes” show multi-action drugs developed for type 2 diabetes “consistently show neurological protective effects”.

However, it was noted in the study that further research into these multi-action treatment options for neurological disorders are required. As it has been demonstrated in previous clinical work, some therapeutic options that show promise in mouse models are not always effective in humans.

In speaking to The Independent, Dr David Reynolds, chief scientific officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, added: “There is a long road between studies that show an effect in animals and treatments in the hands of patients, and scientists will only be able to realise the potential of promising findings like these if we continue to invest in research.”