
Two NHS drugs slows and could REVERSE devastating Alzheimer's, ‘exciting' study finds
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
TWO NHS drugs could be combined to treat, and even reverse, the most common form of dementia, scientists claim.
A pair of cancer drugs have been identified as a powerful duo that may tackle Alzheimer's disease, after scientists sifted through 1,300 approved medicines.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
1
Alzheimer's was reversed in mice
Credit: Alamy
The American team used cutting-edge computer tools to match the gene changes seen in Alzheimer's patients with medicines that reverse those effects.
They found that two cancer drugs, both already available on the NHS, reduced brain degeneration in mice with the disease, and even brought back their memory.
The study, from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), first looked at how Alzheimer's alters the activity of individual brain cells.
They then searched for existing drugs that trigger the opposite changes, with the aim of rewiring damaged neurons and brain cells called glia.
And when they tested the top two candidates, letrozole and irinotecan, in lab mice, the results were impressive.
One theory of how Alzheimer's comes about is that sticky proteins - like amyloid-beta - start clumping together in the brain years before symptoms appear.
These toxic clumps block communication between brain cells and trigger inflammation, eventually causing the cells to die.
Some scientists believe this buildup is the root cause of Alzheimer's, so clearing it could stop the disease in its tracks.
When combined, the cancer drugs not only halted brain cell damage but also undid toxic clumps of proteins, restored memory and reversed the disease's genetic footprint.
Prof Marina Sirota, senior author, said: 'We're excited that our computational approach led us to a potential combination therapy for Alzheimer's based on existing FDA-approved medications.'
Common painkiller used for back pain ups risk of dementia by 29%, scientists warn
She added: 'Alzheimer's disease comes with complex changes to the brain, which has made it tough to study and treat — but our tools opened up the possibility of tackling that complexity directly.'
The scientists then trawled through the anonymised medical records of 1.4million over-65s and found those already taking the cancer drugs were less likely to develop Alzheimer's.
Dr Yaqiao Li, the study's lead author, said: 'Thanks to all these existing data sources, we went from 1,300 drugs, to 86, to 10, to just five.
'In particular, the rich data collected by all the UC health centres pointed us straight to the most promising drugs. It's kind of like a mock clinical trial.'
Letrozole is typically used to treat breast cancer, while irinotecan is prescribed for colon and lung cancer. Both are already used in the UK.
'So exciting'
Prof Yadong Huang, co-senior author, 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.'
He added: 'It's so exciting to see the validation of the computational data in a widely used Alzheimer's mouse model.'
The breakthrough, published in the journal Cell, could fast-track trials in humans.
Prof Sirota said: 'If completely independent data sources, such as single-cell expression data and clinical records, guide us to the same pathways and the same drugs and then resolve Alzheimer's in a genetic model then maybe we're onto something.'
She added: 'We're hopeful this can be swiftly translated into a real solution for millions of patients with Alzheimer's.'
Alzheimer's causes a relentless decline in cognition, learning, and memory.
But decades of research have only produced two FDA-approved drugs, neither of which can meaningfully slow the decline. In the UK, no disease-modifying drugs are currently approved or available.
Instead, the UK relies on symptom-managing drugs, such as Donepezil and Rivastigmine.
Hashtags

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


The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
Top medical body concerned over RFK Jr's reported plans to cut preventive health panel
A top US medical body has expressed 'deep concern' to Robert F Kennedy Jr over news reports that the health secretary plans to overhaul a panel that determines which preventive health measures including cancer screenings should be covered by insurance companies. The letter from the the American Medical Association comes after the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that Kennedy plans to overhaul the 40-year old US Preventive Services Task Force because he regards them as too 'woke', according to sources familiar with the matter. During his second term, Donald Trump has frequently raged against organizations and government departments that he considers too liberal – often without any evidence. The US president, and his cabinet members such as Kennedy, have also overseen huge cuts and job losses across the US government. The taskforce is made up of a 16-member panel appointed by health and human services secretaries to serve four-year terms. In addition to cancer screenings, the taskforce issues recommendations for a variety of other screenings including osteoporosis, intimate partner violence, HIV prevention, as well as depression in children. Writing in its letter to Kennedy on Sunday, the AMA defended the panel, saying: 'As you know, USPSTF plays a critical, non-partisan role in guiding physicians' efforts to prevent disease and improve the health of patients by helping to ensure access to evidence-based clinical preventive services.' 'As such, we urge you to retain the previously appointed members of the USPSTF and commit to the long-standing process of regular meetings to ensure their important work can be continued without disruption,' it added. Citing Kennedy's own slogan of 'Making America healthy again,' the AMA went on to say: 'USPSTF members have been selected through an open, public nomination process and are nationally recognized experts in primary care, prevention and evidence-based medicine. They serve on a volunteer basis, dedicating their time to help reduce disease and improve the health of all Americans – a mission well-aligned with the Make America Healthy Again initiative.' According to the Affordable Care Act, public and private insurance companies must cover any services recommended by the Preventive Services Task Force without cost sharing. In a statement to MedPage Today, Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon did not confirm the reports, instead saying: 'No final decision has been made on how the USPSTF can better support HHS' mandate to Make America Healthy Again.' Reports of Kennedy's alleged decision to overhaul the taskforce come after the American Conservative published an essay earlier this month that described the taskforce as advocating for 'leftwing ideological orthodoxy'. It went on to accuse the panel of being 'packed with Biden administration appointees devoted to the ideological capture of medicine', warning that the 'continued occupation of an important advisory body in HHS – one that has the capacity to force private health insurers to cover services and procedures – by leftwing activists would be a grave oversight by the Trump administration'. In response to the essay, 104 health organizations, including the American Medical Association, issued a separate letter to multiple congressional health committees in which they urged the committees to 'protect the integrity' of the taskforce. 'The loss of trustworthiness in the rigorous and nonpartisan work of the Task Force would devastate patients, hospital systems, and payers as misinformation creates barriers to accessing lifesaving and cost effective care,' the organizations said. In June, Kennedy removed all 17 members of a US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention panel of vaccine experts. Writing in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, he accused the committee of having too many conflicts of interest. Kennedy's decision to overhaul the immunization panel was met with widespread criticism from health experts, with the American Public Health Association executive director Georges Benjamin calling the ouster 'a coup'. 'It's not how democracies work. It's not good for the health of the nation,' Benjamin said.


South Wales Guardian
an hour ago
- South Wales Guardian
Llandovery hospital to remain open say health board
On Thursday, July 17, hundreds of residents gathered at The Castle Hotel for a consultation hosted by Hywel Dda University Health Board, seeking clarity on the hospital's services. Although the health board confirmed the hospital will remain open, many feel services have steadily declined. Mickey Gough, Chairman of the League of Friends in Llandovery, highlighted a key issue: 'We raised a quarter of a million pounds through donations to buy an X-ray machine for the hospital, but it is currently not in use.' Mr Gough believes there is a lack of provision for older people at Llandovery Hospital. (Image: Google Maps) The community-donated X-ray machine is now considered limited due to technological advances, and the health board has indicated that if X-ray services are to continue in Llandovery, the machine would need replacing. Currently, X-ray services are offered one day a week by a visiting member of staff, but some patients still have to travel to larger hospitals for imaging that the outdated machine cannot provide. Mr Gough also expressed concern about the impact on older residents, many of whom must travel further afield for care. Following the consultation, the health board acknowledged the challenges in radiology services, noting long wait times and staffing difficulties. They proposed that X-ray provision could be shifted to larger hospitals in Carmarthen and Llanelli. Mr Henwood said: 'Thank you to everyone who came to talk to us in Llandovery on 17 July – it was great to meet so many people who care deeply about Llandovery Hospital and our NHS. The proposed options included in the Clinical Services Plan seek to deal with fragilities in our radiology services particularly, but we are consulting with our communities to learn more, to listen to potential impacts and also to hear and consider new ideas or alternative options from people. 'There are no plans or decisions ongoing about closing Llandovery Hospital, which was a concern put to us by many people in the community at our recent event. 'Llandovery hospital is a hub for our community, and we have heard the passion the community has for local services very clearly at our recent event. We are extremely grateful to the League of Friends and the community for their continued support of the hospital and our staff. The hospital is still open and providing a range of services from the ward and palliative, end-of-life care, to the range of services offered through clinics. We are grateful to our committed and compassionate staff who work there, in the community, and primary care locally.' Clinics that are currently run from Llandovery Hospital include: People can share their views on what is important to live a healthy life by visiting The health board will also come back to Llandovery, and other communities, to discuss this with the local people in the autumn. Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer for the Health Board added: 'Whilst the broader potential of the hospital and its future is not part of the current consultation into clinical services, we would value continued discussions with our community about the hospital and community-based care, especially as we are also engaging on a review of our Healthier Mid and West Wales strategy.' The League of Friends continues to invest in the hospital, having recently funded a new kitchen for nursing staff.


Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Over 260,000 Scots out of work due to long term sickness or disability
EXCLUSIVE: The figures have prompted calls for the SNP Government to give people the support they need to get back to work. Over a quarter of a million Scots are out of work due to long-term sickness or having a disability after a rise caused by the pandemic. The SNP Government has now been urged to invest more in mental health and the NHS to help people back find jobs. Keir Starmer's Labour Government recently proposed tightening eligibility for disability and sickness benefits in a bid to slow the rate of social security spending. But the bulk of the plan was ditched amid claims people who genuinely need to be on benefits would be harmed. Despite the u-turn, Labour sources believe action will have to be taken by the UK and Scottish Governments to get people back into jobs. New figures reveal there are an estimated 269,000 people in Scotland aged 16-64 who gave their reason for being inactive as long-term sick or disabled. It works out at around one third of Scotland's economically inactive people in the same age group. This includes 35,200 people in Glasgow, 16,100 in North Lanarkshire, 14,100 in Fife, 14,000 in Edinburgh and 12,800 in South Lanarkshire. Critics say First Minister John Swinney needs to use his devolved powers to help people who can work into jobs. It was recently reported that Scots on disability benefits for conditions such as anxiety and depression are costing the taxpayer more than £1.3bn a year. Lib Dem MSP Jamie Greene, who uncovered the 269,000 figure, said: 'These figures show that across Scotland there are huge numbers who are economically inactive because they are off long-term sick. 'Of course, there will always be some for whom paid work is not a feasible option but for many more, if they got the right care, the right mental health support or the right career advice, they could find a role that fits them and their needs. 'It seems ridiculous that around five times more is being spent on social security payments for people with mental health conditions than is being specifically dedicated to helping them through the NHS and back into the workplace. 'Similarly, people waiting on autism and ADHD diagnoses are facing waiting lists that stretch into the years. 'We should be investing in the NHS to bring down these long waits. Not only is that the compassionate approach, but it would also be the sensible one economically, allowing people to get back to work. "The Scottish Government need to work urgently with health boards and local authorities on a new plan to support those who are long-term sick; one that tackles long waits for care, invests in mental health and offers tailored advice and support for those who need it.' Labour MSP Daniel Johnson said: 'It's clear far too many Scots are being locked out of work as a result of the SNP 's disastrous mismanagement of our health and social care systems. 'Under the SNP almost one in six Scots are stuck on NHS waiting lists, over 100,000 people have been waiting over a year, and ADHD and autism services have been effectively privatised. "As someone with ADHD, it makes me angry that the SNP is consigning people with ADHD and autism to the employment scrapheap. 'The SNP is robbing hundreds of thousands of Scots of their livelihoods and holding back our economy – it is time for a new direction.' However, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: 'Jamie Greene is correct that the Scottish Government should invest more into occupational health services and our healthcare system more generally. 'But he risks robbing Peter to pay Paul if he thinks that investment in mental health can come from social security budgets. Disability payments are a lifeline and prevent people falling into further ill-health. He is misguided to think that government savings should therefore be borne on the backs of the sick, disabled or those living with long term health conditions. 'With a growing blackhole in the public finances, projected to be £2.2 billion by 2030, the Scottish Government, if they properly use their powers of taxation, can afford to both give dignity and security to the long-term sick whilst fully funding our public services and creating well paid, secure jobs for those who need it. 'Progressive income and wealth taxes could enable the best of both worlds: a route into gainful employment whilst still providing a safety net for those in need of assistance. That's the route out of economic inactivity and we would encourage Mr Greene and his party to turn their attention to the wealthy instead of those on welfare.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'There will always be some people whose health conditions mean they cannot work, and they should be supported with dignity and respect. It is unacceptable that the UK Government is introducing a two-tier system which reduces the health element of Universal Credit for new applications and will see people losing around £3000 per year by 2029-30. Removing barriers for those who can enter the workplace is a priority for the Scottish Government. 'This is why we are improving our employability support services, including enhanced specialist support for people with disabilities and long term health conditions across all 32 local authorities in July 2025, and increasing access to health board services which support people in work.'