Memory booster pill for the elderly in the offing
By IANSWednesday, October 13, 2010
SYDNEY - A pill that prevents forgetfulness among the elderly is being developed by British doctors.
The drug, aimed at treating absent-mindedness rather than brain diseases, has been tested on animals, with encouraging results.
Human trials are expected to begin next year. If successful, the drug will be available commercially within the next five years, reports the Daily Mail.
Jonathan Seckl, who led the research at the Edinburgh University, said upto a third of the elderly population suffers from what is euphemistically called mild cognitive impairment.
“Forgetfulness is a major risk factor for Alzheimers disease. Moreover, it is pretty frustrating if you cant remember why you left your home or where you put your keys,” he said.
Memory-related problems are caused partially due to high levels of stress hormones, including cortisol, which damage the brains memory hub, a report in the Journal of Neuroscience said.
The drug, developed by Prof Seckl and his team, controls the formation of an enzyme called 11-beta-HSD1 which boosts the level of cortisol in the body.
Known as UOE1961, the drug sharpened the minds of elderly mice to such an extent that they were as good as younger creatures at performing tasks of memory and learning. Results suggest the drug will work only on the ageing brain.
