Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


3

Immunotherapy Offers New Hope on Alzheimer's

Share

(Newser) – An immune-system booster already used in the treatment of other diseases could prove to be a powerful weapon in the fight against Alzheimer's disease, researchers have found. Analyzing the records of patients who received intravenous immunoglobulin—IVIg—they discovered that recipients were 42% less likely to develop Alzheimer's, HealthDay reports.

Researchers believe IVIg may prevent the toxic plaque that causes the disease from building up in the brain. "The current Alzheimer's drugs on the market treat the symptoms of the disease," the lead researcher says. "Immunization could treat the underlying cause." The researchers say it is too early to suggest using IVIg to treat Alzheimer's, but clinical trials testing the treatment are now under way.

Researchers believe that immunoglobin, unlike other treatments, prevents the buildup of plaques in the brain that causes Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers believe that immunoglobin, unlike other treatments, prevents the buildup of plaques in the brain that causes Alzheimer's disease.   (Shutter Stock)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

It's exciting. The study supports the idea that IVIg could be useful for treating Alzheimer's disease. We desperately need disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer's.
- Lead researcher Dr. Howard Fillit

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
OFF THE GRID
11.20.09
The Health-Care Wars Have Just Begun
11.19.09
Sarah Palin Deserves Some More Attention
3 comments
VIEWING:
 
SBS
Jul 21, 09 9:11 AM CDT
Always good news when a possible preventative or cure may be possible for this horrible disease. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+2
AtoZ2010
Jul 21, 09 9:46 AM CDT
Yes, SBS, that is VERY good news. Let's keep our fingers crossed. I've watched too many loved ones linger for years with that terrible disease. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+1
Snarfeh
Jul 21, 09 7:37 PM CDT
Please let it be true, let it work. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
LEAVE A
COMMENT Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.

 

Related Newser Stories

51 Stories

 Music Prompts 
 Memory in 
 Alzheimer's 
 Patients 

iPod therapy stimulates cognitive functions lost to disease

Nov 17, 09 1:26 PM CST
(Newser) - Therapists and doctors who treat Alzheimer's are now using music not only to soothe and entertain their patients but to restore some cognitive function. For decades it's been recognized that Alzheimer's patients can still remember and sing songs long after they've stopped recognizing names and faces. Now it's thought that... More »

MORE ABOUT:
memory • dementia • iPod • brain • cognitive decline • caregivers • Alzheimer's Disease • musical therapy

Web Surfing
Can Help Slow Dementia

Brain scans show Google is more stimulating than books

Oct 19, 09 1:29 PM CDT
(Newser) - It’s time to teach Grandma to Google. Surfing the Internet can slow or even reverse the mental decay that leads to dementia, according to a new study. UCLA researchers scanned the brains of 24 men and women aged 55 to 78 and discovered that surfing the web was more... More »

MORE ABOUT:
Google • Internet • dementia • search • Alzheimer's Disease

Global Rates of Alzheimer's Disease Soar

Aging populations drive increase; developing world will be hit hard

Sep 21, 09 2:40 PM CDT
(Newser) - Rising life expectancy in the developing world will lead to a dramatic increase in the number of people stricken by Alzheimer’s disease, HealthDay News reports. The number of dementia cases worldwide will reach 35.6 million in 2010, a 10% increase over the total in 2005. That number is... More »

MORE ABOUT:
Middle East • dementia • globalization • public health • aging • medical research • North Africa • developing countries • developing world • Alzheimer's Disease

51 Stories


Science & Health 
TwitterFollow @NewserScience on Twitter

 
dementia • neurology • clinical trials • immunotherapy • immunoglobulin • Alzheimer's Disease

from our news partners