Alzheimer vaccine 2023

The human brain comprises billions of neurons connected to form a sophisticated network that facilitates brain function. Our brain changes with the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Beta-amyloid protein fragments and tau protein starts accumulating in the brain as the disease starts to develop. The beta-amyloid fragments aggregate to form plaques that affect the transmission of information between neurons, whereas tau proteins make up tangles that hinder the supply of nutrients to the neurons.

Is there a vaccine for Alzheimer’s disease?

Research has paved the way for a plethora of novel therapeutics which have proven to show positive outcomes. In the pursuit to find effective treatments, biopharmaceuticals have already started the development of the Alzheimer vaccine and we might have a cure soon. Scientists believe that beta-amyloid and tau proteins significantly influence Alzheimer’s progression.

The vaccines under development target the beta-amyloid protein fragments by triggering the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy these tiny protein fragments before they clump up in the brain. Two such examples are the AV-1959R and AV-1980R vaccines that were initially developed to be used separately but are now being researched as a combination therapy for effective results. These novel therapeutics are administered alongside a chemical called adjuvant that facilitates the body’s immune system to work efficiently and produce the necessary antibodies.

The need to find a cure for Alzheimer’s has led us to the development of an Alzheimer vaccine and shortly, there is a strong possibility of curing this neurodegenerative disease by a simple therapy. Recently, another vaccine called ACI-35.030 has shown brilliant results in phase 1b/2a of its trials. Furthermore, vaccines for dementia are also being developed that could potentially stop the cognitive decline of the people affected with Alzheimer’s.

What is the latest treatment for Alzheimer’s?

According to an estimate given by the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately 14 million people over the age of 65 will likely develop Alzheimer’s disease. As the number of people affected by the disease is increasing, so are the treatments that show effective results. Besides the under-trail Alzheimer vaccine, the latest treatments focus on slowing down the symptoms, maintain healthy brain function, and control behavioral fluctuations. Moreover, the affected individuals have to be taken care of as the brain activity deteriorates over time.

 Currently, the FDA has approved several drugs to slow down the symptoms, and there are other treatments under development that aim at preventing the development of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles. Until an Alzheimer vaccine is available, we have to rely on the current treatment guidelines. Let’s read on to know more about the FDA-approved drugs to treat Alzheimer’s symptoms.

·      Cholinesterase inhibitors: Our body uses a chemical called acetylcholine to smoothly carry out cognitive functions like processing information, memory, behavior, and judgment. In Alzheimer’s disease, the brain cells producing acetylcholine are damaged, which results in decreased brain activity. Cholinesterase inhibitors help in maintaining acetylcholine levels and facilitate the activities occurring in the brain. Below are the different types of cholinesterase inhibitors used according to the Alzheimer’s stage and the presenting symptoms:

·      Donepezil: Used as prescribed by your doctor and can be given at any Alzheimer’s stage.

·      Galantamine: Prescribed to patients who are between the window of mild to moderate stages.

·      Rivastigmine: Also used in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s.

·      Memantine: In the list of available Alzheimer’s treatments, memantine significantly improves attention, memory, reasoning, and analytical skills that are necessary to perform everyday functions.

Only your doctor can advise which drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease will suit you the best. Moreover, having your health checkup at least bi-annually will help doctors recognize any present symptoms or a forthcoming anomaly. The availability of an Alzheimer vaccine may be on the horizon, but for now, we have to rely on the current treatments and interventions to improve the quality of life that are affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Let’s dig in a bit deep to get a glimpse of the treatments for Alzheimer’s under development and testing.

·      Solanezumab: It is a monoclonal antibody that helps recruit the immune system cells to get rid of any foreign invaders, toxic chemicals, or harmful substances. In the case of Alzheimer’s disease, solanezumab could prevent the formation of beta-amyloid protein plaques from forming in the brain. This rug is still under evaluation.

·      Saracatinib: The production of beta-amyloid protein triggers another protein called fyn that disrupts the connectivity of neurons. Research has shown that this cancer treatment drug has the potential to disable the fyn protein from affecting the neurons.

·      Beta and gamma-secretase inhibitors: These experimental drugs can clear out the beta-amyloid protein accumulation in the brain due to Alzheimer’s disease.

·      Sargramostim: Brain inflammation occurs as Alzheimer’s disease starts damaging the cells. This under-trial drug reduces inflammation and protects against toxic substances.

There is a plethora of novel therapeutics under trial that could potentially treat Alzheimer’s disease soon. Furthermore, various biopharma companies are on the verge of developing an Alzheimer vaccine that might have fruitful results in the forthcoming human trials. Until then, we have to take good care of our health and never miss any scheduled checkups at the hospital.

How is Alzheimer’s prevented?

With the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, the brain changes become visible over time as the brain damage keeps on increasing. Fortunately, research has unveiled a few key points that, if followed, could significantly slow down the disease progression and the symptoms. These key points include:

·      A daily 30 minutes exercise routine.

·      Eating highly nutritious food such as a DASH diet.

·      Preventing head trauma from occurring.

·      Get involved in cognitive training programs.

·      Avoid any triggers and risk factors.

 Always consult your doctor to know more about preventing Alzheimer’s disease and get tested to figure out the type and severity of symptoms. An Alzheimer’s vaccine, when available, will be a game-changer in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Until then, we have to follow the treatment guidelines to be able to slow down disease progression and ease up the life ahead.

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