Popular Epilepsy Drug Shows Promise For Alzheimer's Disease

Valproic acid, used in the treatment of epilepsy and other neurological and psycho-neurological disorders, has been found to improve memory and reduce brain lesions in mice with Alzheimer's symptoms.

The study, conducted by the University of British Colombia, injected Valproic acid in mice whose disease was about 6 months old. After administration of the acid, the researchers measured aspects of brain improvement, including memory ability and physiological changes in the brain.

Valproic acid attacks Beta-amyloid proteins, at toxic levels in an Alzheimer's brain. The researchers observed that the treatment shrank brain plaques and even encouraged nerves to repair themselves. The mice also performed better on memory-related tests.

The effect of Valproic acid on the mice was less effective as the disease progressed, suggesting that human studies be conducted with persons at the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. However, study is considered strong evidence of Volproic acid as a treatment and a prevention for Alzheimer's disease.

Source:Journal of Experimental Medicine; via eScience News

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