Study: Immune-based Treatment may Restore Speech in Alzheimer's

Researchers have used a novel immune-based approach to restore speech ability in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

A video accompanying the study documents rapid language improvement within minutes of using this new treatment.

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Based on previous research by the same authors, this study focuses on the effect of the anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) drug, etanercept, on measures of verbal ability.

TNF-alpha, a critical component of the brain's immune system, normally finely regulates the transmission of neural impulses in the brain.

The researchers hypothesize that elevated levels of TNF-alpha in Alzheimer's disease interfere with this regulation.

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To reduce elevated TNF-alpha, the researchers utilized a unique perispinal delivery method to administer etanercept.

The new study provides preliminary evidence that the disrupted neural communication seen in Alzheimer's disease may be reversible.

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"There are limitations to the data presented; the clinical trial was open label, and not controlled," lead author Edward Tobinick, as saying.

"These caveats notwithstanding, the scientific rationale for the further investigation of anti-TNF-alpha treatment of Alzheimer's disease is compelling. In addition, family members, independent neurologists, and other independent observers have confirmed the clinical, cognitive, and behavioral improvement noted," he added.

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Disruption of language function, such as the ability to find words, is a common symptom in advancing Alzheimer's disease, and the new study is one of the first to suggest the possibility of a new therapeutic approach that may address these symptoms.

The study is published in the open access journal BMC Neurology.

Source-ANI
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