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Health: Experimental Alzheimer's Drug

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Jul 21, 2008 2:40 pm US/Eastern

Health: Experimental Alzheimer's Drug

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― Alzheimer's Disease is robbing Bonnie Lowe of her memories. But the 89-year-old is not giving up.

"I want to be like I used to be," said Bonnie. She joined a new study and will soon start taking an experimental drug called Bapineuzamab, basically an Alzheimer's vaccine.

Currently the only way to treat Alzheimer's is by using memory boosting medications. But unfortunately the drugs don't do anything to correct the underlying cause of the disease. That's what this new vaccine type therapy hopes to do. Dr. Bruce Kohrman is studying the drug.

"It's a whole new world of treatment. It's a whole new avenue of treatment," said Dr. Kohrman.

During Alzheimer's there is a build-up of protein plaque around the neurons of the brain. It's believed this is what disrupts brain function. The new drug triggers the body's own immune system to dissolve those plaques away. In early studies some patients given the drug had improved memory and better concentration.

"The results of the phase two trial are exciting, and they're encouraging," said Dr. Kohrman.

Now doctors will start testing Bapineuzamab on a much larger group of patients to see if the promising results hold up.

"We want to give patients and their families more quality time together," said Dr. Kohrman.

"It's wonderful if I can get any help with my memory. I really appreciate that," said Bonnie.

If future results in patients like Bonnie are positive it could change the way Alzheimer's is treated.


RELATED LINK:

Local Bapineuzamab Trial Information- http://www.alzheimers.org/

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.