Alzheimer research breakthroughs inspire optimism
Wednesday, November 29, 2006 Craig Anderson
New discoveries about the roots of Alzheimer disease and experiments on potentially revolutionary drugs to stall the signature cognitive decline of the disease are a reason to celebrate, says Linda Stebbins, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Ontario.

But caution in the optimism surrounding the discoveries is also necessary, she says.

Stebbins, commenting on the work of researchers at the Toronto-based Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CRND), who discovered a protein earlier this year thought to be the disease’s source, says that with each advance the Society comes closer to realizing its vision.

“We have a grandiose vision – a world with Alzheimer’s disease,” says Stebbins. “We’re cautious but encouraged.”

The possibility of reducing the care burdens of families and the heartbreaking decline that defines the disease makes the prospect of a breakthrough incredibly exciting, she adds.

“If we can make a breakthrough it will significantly impact the lives of so many people,” says Stebbins.

This summer, the CRND found that a specific protein – beta-amyloid peptide – was a prime mover in the development of Alzheimer disease.

The protein becomes toxic to the brain when it aggregates and clumps, forming the “plaque” that sets the disease process in motion.

The CRND’s second breakthrough was the discovery of a molecule to combat this process, dubbed AZD-103. The centre has just conducted Phase One clinical trials using mice and will now have to determine whether the molecule has any toxic effects on humans.

Dr. Peter St. George-Hyslop, the Centre’s director, explains that despite the possibility of a breakthrough with AZD-103, and numerous other drugs and vaccines that are currently being tested, patience is required.

“All of these ideas – their potential is quite tremendous – but there are many slips between cup and lip,” he says, explaining that it will be at least three to five years before the drugs efficacy and safety is ensured through trials. “Things that look good initially might have some toxicity problems.”

The CRND, whose work is funded primarily by the Alzheimer Society, has also discovered a number of genes associated with Alzheimer disease that would help identify familial predisposition. In the event effective drugs were developed, persons predisposed would be able to use medicine as preventative therapy.

“To identify these genes is a very important health measure,” says Dr. St. George-Hyslop.

The timing of the research, falling as it does on the 100th anniversary of the disease’s naming by Alois Alzheimer, is uncanny.

“I can’t think of a more fitting announcement to demonstrate progress and hope,” Stebbins said in an article featured on the Society’s website, at www.alzheimerontario.org.