Surprising new insights into how a Phase III Alzheimer's drug might work were among the advances in potential therapies targeting two abnormal brain proteins -- beta amyloid and phosphorylated tau -- that were reported today at the Alzheimer's Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.

Scientists also reported on how clinicians view and treat mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a research category used to define the state between normal aging and Alzheimer's, that is now being used widely in clinical practice.

"There are now more than 26 million people living with Alzheimer's and dementia around the world. The cost of caring for these people, and those who will get it in the next few years, will bankrupt the world's healthcare systems," said Ralph Nixon, PhD, MD, vice chair of the Alzheimer's Association Medical & Scientific Advisory Council.

"But, as these studies and many hundreds more reported at ICAD 2009 show, there is hope. There are currently dozens of drugs in clinical trials for Alzheimer's. This, combined with advancements in diagnostic tools, has the potential to change the landscape of Alzheimer's in our lifetime. How fast we get there depends completely on the investment in research. We need more government and private dollars for Alzheimer's research now to capitalize on the progress we've made in the last decade," Nixon added.

The studies reported at ICAD 2009 were:

-- Sam Gandy, et al -- Dimebon(R), A Clinically Promising Drug For Alzheimer Disease, Regulates Amyloid-Beta Metabolism In Cultured Cells, In Isolated Nerve Terminals, And In The Interstitial Fluid Of The Living Rodent Brain.

-- Moran Boimel, et al -- Immunotherapy Targeting Pathologically Phosphorylated Tau In A Tauopathy Mouse Model.

-- Scott Roberts, et al -- Clinical Practices Regarding Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Among Neurology Service Providers.

The 2009 Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD 2009) brings together more than 3,000 researchers from 70 countries to share groundbreaking research and information on the cause, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. ICAD 2009 will be held in Vienna, Austria at Messe Wien Exhibition and Congress Center from July 11-16.

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit alz.

Source
Alzheimer's Association