A new drug, that'll be tested in San Diego, could change the approach to treating Alzheimer's disease. KPBS Reporter Tom Fudge has more.
Alzheimer's disease afflicts about five million people in the U.S. who suffer severe and debilitating dimentia. But a new drug's been created that could make a difference. The drug contains an antibody that attaches itself to the proteins that form plaques in the brians of Alzheimer's patients. Dr. Michael Plopper, of Sharp Health Care, is running the drug trial in San Diego. He says the antibody, being tested, actually causes the proteins to leave the brain.
Plopper: The novelty of this study is this is actually looking at addressing the actual cause, or the potential cause of the disorder, rather than just treating symptoms, which our current medications available for Alzheimer's disease do.
The study is sponsored by the drug company that makes the medicine. They want San Diegans, with Alzheimer's, to volunteer for the study. Tom Fudge, KPBS news
