Neuroscientists are learning more about Alzheimer’s Disease and possible treatments through extensive research.
One idea that hints at preventing Alzheimer’s symptoms and slowing disease progression has to do with a particular medication for insomnia. Brendan Lucey, MD, associate professor of neurology and director of Washington University’s Sleep Medicine Center designed a small human study with doses of the sleeping aid known as suvorexant, which is approved for insomnia.
Lucey discovered that taking the sleeping pills may reduce the toxic buildup of Alzheimer’s proteins in the brain – a form tau proteins and amyloid beta proteins.
Success from the small, proof of concept study has led to a larger study. Lucey is now studying longer term effects with older participants.