Researchers at Northwestern University have made significant strides in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease by developing a novel compound that may control the condition similarly to how high cholesterol is managed. Their findings, published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, suggest that this new treatment could transform early-stage intervention for the disease.
The team identified a previously unknown subtype of a brain protein linked to Alzheimer’s progression. They demonstrated that their compound, named NU-9, effectively targets this protein, halting the disease’s development in laboratory mice. Coauthor of the study and chemistry professor Richard Silverman emphasized the potential preventative role of NU-9, comparing it to cholesterol management: “If someone has a biomarker signaling Alzheimer’s disease, then they could start taking NU-9 before symptoms appear.”
To investigate the compound’s effects, researchers administered NU-9 orally to mice genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s for a duration of 60 days. The primary focus was on the impact of NU-9 on amyloid beta oligomers, proteins that accumulate in the brain and are associated with Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Analysis of the mice brains showed a notable reduction in a specific subtype of amyloid beta oligomers, which the researchers referred to as ACU193+ AβOs. This particular protein is linked to brain inflammation that occurs prior to a formal Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The introduction of NU-9 resulted in a decrease in this toxic protein, consequently reducing inflammation in the brain.
The principal investigator of the study, William Klein, expressed enthusiasm regarding the results: “These results are stunning.” He noted that with ongoing advancements in early diagnostic blood tests for Alzheimer’s, a drug like NU-9 could play a crucial role in stopping the disease’s progression.
Looking ahead, the research team plans to explore the effectiveness of NU-9 in later stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Originally developed by Silverman, NU-9 is a synthetic compound known as cyclohexane-1,3-dione, aimed at addressing various neurological disorders. Preliminary findings suggest that it may also be effective against other conditions, such as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and potentially frontotemporal degeneration, both of which are characterized by the accumulation of toxic proteins in the brain.
As this research progresses, it holds promise for changing the landscape of Alzheimer’s treatment, potentially allowing early intervention similar to current practices for managing cholesterol levels.