Scientists developing treatments for the devastating brain disorder Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) have unexpectedly blocked the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia through the use of two antibodies. These two antibodies, ICSM 18 and 35, block the damaging effects of a toxic substance called “amyloid beta” in mice, a protein which accumulates and becomes attached to the nerve cells in the brain.
The two antibodies, ICSM 18 and 35, target the prion protein that is implicated as a cause of CJD. Clinical trials of drugs based on the antibodies are due to begin in humans next year as a treatment for CJD. If they are successful, the trials could be repeated for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
It is exciting and urgent work in the combat of a devastating disease.
My father passed away almost a year ago from Alzheimer’s. It’s a terrible terrible disease. When we first started suspecting something was wrong was when my father started having complications in doing everyday tasks; it was really heartbreaking to find out that he had Alzheimer’s. We suffered as much as he did because it’s really hard seeing as his illness progressed. To those families taking care of an Alzheimer’s patient I can only say try to always show as much love as you can till the end.