A groundbreaking study published in the journal Science has revealed that existing cancer drugs may hold the key to treating Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers at the Stanford School of Medicine have found that these drugs can restore healthy sugar metabolism in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, potentially offering a effective treatment for the devastating condition.

Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of Americans, causing memory loss, cognitive decline, and dementia. Despite extensive research, there is currently no known cure. However, scientists believe that the abnormal buildup of proteins in and around brain cells is a primary cause of the disease.

In addition to protein buildup, Alzheimer’s patients also experience a significant decline in their brain’s ability to break down glucose, a crucial source of energy. This decline leads to impaired thinking and memory, hallmarks of the disease.

The study focused on an enzyme called indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), which is elevated in the brains of patients with neurodegenerative disorders. IDO1 disrupts glucose metabolism, leading to energy deficits in brain cells.

By inhibiting IDO1, researchers were able to improve cognitive function in lab mice with Alzheimer’s-like brain conditions. The mice showed significant improvements in memory and cognitive tests when given drugs that block IDO1.

The discovery is particularly exciting because IDO1 inhibitors have already been developed for cancer therapy. These drugs may be repurposed for Alzheimer’s disease, offering a new avenue for treatment.

Unlike existing Alzheimer’s therapies, which target protein clumps, this approach focuses on restoring energy metabolism in brain cells. This new strategy shows promise not only for Alzheimer’s but also for other neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and ALS.

The research team is eager to test IDO1 inhibitors in human Alzheimer’s patients to confirm the findings and explore the potential for this treatment approach.