
Alzheimer's disease: Researchers find two cancer drugs reverse damaged gene behaviour in mice
Alzheimer's disease is an ageing-related disorder in which cognitive function steadily declines, affecting speech and memory, and eventually can interfere with everyday activities.
Scientists at the University of California, San Francisco, and Gladstone Institutes in the US first saw how gene behaviour was affected in Alzheimer's disease in a single brain cell. The researchers then looked at 1,300 drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and which of them reversed the damage.
The next stage of the study, published in the journal 'Cell', analysed electronic medical records of about 1.4 million patients and found that patients who took some of these drugs for treating conditions other than Alzheimer's disease were less likely to get the ageing-related neurological disorder.
Testing the top two drug candidates -- 'letrozole' and 'irinotecan', both of which are cancer medications -- in a mouse model having Alzheimer's disease, the researchers found that brain degeneration was reduced and a restored ability to remember.
Letrozole is usually prescribed for treating breast cancer, and irinotecan for colon and lung cancer. The combined effects of two drugs were found to reverse damaged gene behaviour in neurons and glia (a type of brain cells that surround and support neurons).
Further, toxic clumps of proteins and brain degeneration -- hallmark features of Alzheimer's -- were found to be reduced and memory restored, the researchers said. The team added that out of 1,300 drugs, 86 reversed gene behaviour changes in one type of brain cell and 25 reversed them in other types. However, only 10 had been approved for use in humans by the FDA.
"Thanks to all these existing data sources, we went from 1,300 drugs, to 86, to 10, to just five," said lead author Yaqiao Li, a postdoctoral scholar at Gladstone Institutes.
"Alzheimer's disease comes with complex changes to the brain which has made it tough to study and treat, but our computational tools opened up the possibility of tackling the complexity directly," said co-senior author Marina Sirota, professor of paediatrics and an interim director at the University of California.
Co-senior author Yadong Huang, director of the center for translational advancement at Gladstone Institutes, said, "Alzheimer's is likely the result of numerous alterations in many genes and proteins that, together, disrupt brain health."
"This makes it very challenging for drug development -- which traditionally produces one drug for a single gene or protein that drives disease," Huang said. The electronic medical records analysed in the study came from the University of California's Health Data Warehouse, which includes anonymised health information on 1.4 million people over the age of 65.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Economic Times
5 hours ago
- Economic Times
Saiyaara portrays Alzheimer's in Aneet Padda's 22-year-old character: What the disease is, its risk factors, and key symptoms
The Bollywood film 'Saiyaara' is being lauded for its emotional depth, but its depiction of a 22-year-old with early-onset Alzheimer's has drawn criticism from medical experts. Neurologists highlight that such early manifestation is highly improbable, typically occurring after age 40. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Understanding Alzheimer's disease What causes Alzheimer's? Key risk factors explained Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Age remains the primary risk factor — the National Institute on Aging notes that 'the risk of Alzheimer's doubles every five years after age 65.' This is linked to the accumulation of abnormal brain proteins like beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Genetics also plays a significant role. Individuals with a family history of Alzheimer's, especially those carrying the APOE ε4 gene variant, are more vulnerable. However, carrying the gene doesn't guarantee a diagnosis. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — particularly repeated or severe ones — can raise long-term risk by altering brain function. Cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can reduce brain blood flow and contribute to cognitive decline. Mental health and lifestyle also matter. Chronic stress, depression, smoking, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle are all risk factors. Social isolation and low levels of education further elevate the risk. Recognising Alzheimer's: Symptoms to watch for Memory loss that disrupts daily routines, such as forgetting recent conversations or appointments. Difficulty completing familiar tasks, like using appliances or managing bills. Problem-solving challenges, including trouble planning or following steps. Language issues, such as struggling to find the right words or follow conversations. Disorientation, with confusion about time or location. Poor judgment, including neglecting hygiene or falling for scams. Mood and personality changes, such as irritability, anxiety, or social withdrawal. Managing early-onset Alzheimer's: What's the approach? While Saiyaara, the latest romantic drama from Bollywood, is winning hearts for its emotional storytelling, the film's portrayal of Alzheimer's disease in a young woman has raised eyebrows among medical professionals. The plot revolves around a 22-year-old journalist diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's — a scenario that, according to neurologists, is highly argue that while the film tugs at the heartstrings, its medical accuracy falls short. Neurologists emphasize that early-onset Alzheimer's 'generally doesn't happen before 40,' and that 'definitive symptoms hardly manifest in a patient in their 20s and 30s.'Alzheimer's is a progressive neurological disorder and the most common type of dementia. It gradually destroys memory, thinking ability, and daily functioning skills. The condition not only affects individuals but also significantly burdens their families and caregivers with emotional, financial, and logistical the early stages, Alzheimer's may be mistaken for simple forgetfulness, but as it progresses, it can impair even basic abilities like recognising loved ones or managing personal no single cause of Alzheimer's disease. Instead, it develops through a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle influences that slowly damage the these factors doesn't mean a person will develop Alzheimer's, but it does increase the likelihood. Fortunately, many lifestyle-related risks are modifiable with early occasional memory lapses are normal with age, Alzheimer's causes a progressive cognitive and behavioral decline that interferes with everyday life. As per the Alzheimer's Association and the National Institute on Aging, early warning signs include:These signs can also stem from other conditions like depression or medication side effects. A professional medical diagnosis is more advanced stages, individuals may lose their ability to communicate, move independently, or care for themselves. Research supports that early detection and timely intervention can improve quality of life and delay the disease's progression. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial when symptoms currently no cure for Alzheimer's. However, when diagnosed early, neurologists can recommend medications that help slow progression. Lifestyle changes — such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, cognitive exercises, and managing cardiovascular risks — form a critical part of supportive the average life expectancy after an early-onset diagnosis is eight to ten years, outcomes can vary based on individual health and how quickly the disease advances.


First Post
7 hours ago
- First Post
World Brain Day 2025: 10 everyday habits that are quietly damaging your brain
Chronic sleep deprivation Regularly skipping sleep impairs memory, focus and emotional regulation. Over time, it increases your risk for Alzheimer's, depression and cognitive decline. The brain needs deep rest to recharge.


India Today
8 hours ago
- India Today
Don't drink raw milk directly from animal: Liver Doc's warning on health risks
Milk is an important source of nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins. But to be safe and healthy, it must be handled and prepared India, many people still drink raw milk - milk that hasn't been boiled or pasteurised - because they believe it's more natural or healthier. But health experts warn this trend is risky and even do not feed your child cow's milk directly from the animal's udder,' he wrote. 'Raw milk has become a 'trad fad' among so-called educated people who don't understand how diseases spread. This level of child endangerment is beyond irresponsible.' He added that microbes on the cow's udder can be even more dangerous than those in the milk itself. 'Always drink pasteurised milk,' he stressed. WHAT'S SO DANGEROUS ABOUT RAW MILK?Raw milk can contain harmful bacteria such as:E. coli – Can release deadly toxins in the gut, causing bloody diarrhoea and, in severe cases, kidney – Causes food poisoning and – Can cause fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and serious infections, especially in pregnant women and the – Leads to food poisoning and stomach bacteria – Indicates poor hygiene in milk bacteria are invisible and cannot be detected by taste or smell. Drinking milk with these germs can result in severe a detailed social media post, Dr. Philips described how just one untreated glass of raw milk could lead to a child suffering from kidney failure, seizures, and hospitalisation. He warned that even seemingly 'fresh' milk can hide deadly RAW MILK A CURE FOR LACTOSE INTOLERANCE?Some people believe raw milk contains natural probiotics (good bacteria) that help with digestion and prevent lactose according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), raw milk does not contain probiotics that are proven to help the gut. Instead, it can contain dangerous VS. SAFETYIn many Indian households, people get milk directly from dairy farms and boil it before drinking - a practice that helps kill harmful bacteria. But some are now skipping this step and consuming raw milk straight from the source, influenced by online health Vibhu Kawatra, Senior Consultant Paediatric Pulmonologist at Vibhu Nursing Home in New Delhi, warned against this. 'Raw milk can carry bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter, which cause serious infections. It's especially risky for children, pregnant women, and the elderly,' he told Kawatra added that repeated exposure to such bacteria can even lead to kidney THE EXPERTS RECOMMENDBoil milk as soon as possible after purchase to kill pasteurised milk from trusted giving raw milk to children, elderly people, pregnant women, and those with weakened viral trends that promote raw milk without scientific US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also warns that drinking raw milk can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and other flu-like symptoms, especially in vulnerable a process where milk is heated to kill harmful microbes, makes milk safer without significantly affecting its nutritional value. With rising concerns over unregulated milk production and chemical use in dairy farming, buying pasteurised milk from a reliable source is the safest option.- EndsMust Watch