Research into gene therapy for Alzheimer’s disease has shown promise, but there are still significant challenges. It’s one of several emerging treatments that could help slow disease progression or reduce symptoms.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and changes in behavior. Despite decades of research, there’s still no known cure for Alzheimer’s, and currently available treatments provide only limited relief of symptoms.

However, with significant advancements in genetics and medicine in recent years, emerging treatments have brought new promise. Gene therapy is one such treatment, targeting the underlying genetic and molecular causes of Alzheimer’s.

This article will explain how gene therapy works to treat Alzheimer’s and how it fits into the landscape of other current and emerging treatments.

Gene therapy is a medical approach that helps treat genetic and acquired diseases by modifying your DNA. It involves introducing, removing, or altering specific genes to treat the underlying causes of a disease.

Gene therapy introduces therapeutic genes into your body using vectors such as viruses or non-viral methods. These vectors transport the desired genes to target cells. For Alzheimer’s disease, these target cells are typically in the brain.

Once inside the target cells, the introduced genes integrate into your DNA and trigger the production of specific proteins or molecules.

These proteins can:

  • correct genetic anomalies
  • reduce harmful protein accumulations like beta-amyloid in Alzheimer’s
  • promote cell survival
  • modulate immune responses

Gene therapy for Alzheimer’s disease is still in its experimental stages. There have been many animal studies and a few human studies as well.

Alzheimer’s disease is not clearly inherited or due to a single inherited gene. But some inherited genes may increase your risk. Genetic changes in your cells may also contribute to Alzheimer’s, but it’s unclear whether these changes are inherited or environmental.

These gene mutations cause altered protein activity in your brain, affecting your neurons. Gene therapy for Alzheimer’s disease aims to deliver modified genes to help correct the altered protein activity.

Human gene therapy trials for Alzheimer’s have safely and successfully delivered genes that code for a protein promoting neuronal growth. A 2020 animal study successfully reduced the amount of amyloid plaque in the brains of mice and improved their memory.

Researchers caution that while preclinical studies have produced promising results, clinical studies have been less conclusive.

While gene therapy shows potential as a treatment, using it to cure Alzheimer’s is still challenging. That’s because Alzheimer’s is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors.

CRISPR, a gene-editing technique, allows scientists to precisely modify and edit genes to correct mutations associated with diseases like Alzheimer’s. However, environmental and lifestyle factors also influence the development of Alzheimer’s, making it challenging to eliminate the condition.

Rather than provide a definitive cure, gene therapy for Alzheimer’s aims to:

  • slow progression
  • reduce symptoms
  • delay onset

Ongoing research is essential to refine gene therapy strategies and enhance their effectiveness in managing Alzheimer’s symptoms and progression.

Researchers are also exploring other therapies that may treat, prevent, or even cure Alzheimer’s. Promising emerging treatments for Alzheimer’s include:

  • Monoclonal antibodies: Monoclonal antibody therapies, like aducanumab, target beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, aiming to slow cognitive decline.
  • Tau protein targeting: Therapies focusing on reducing abnormal tau protein tangles are developing to manage an essential aspect of what causes Alzheimer’s.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs: Researchers are investigating drugs that target inflammation in the brain. Such drugs may have the potential to alleviate Alzheimer’s symptoms and progression.
  • Stem cell therapies: Stem cell-based approaches aim to replace damaged neurons or support brain repair in people with Alzheimer’s.
  • Neuroprotective agents: Researchers are exploring medications promoting neuronal health to enhance cognitive function and slow disease progression.
  • Vaccination strategies: Scientists are investigating vaccines targeting beta-amyloid or tau proteins to stimulate the immune system’s response against Alzheimer’s-related proteins.
  • Precision medicine: Tailored treatments based on a person’s genetic and molecular profile are emerging as a personalized approach to Alzheimer’s treatment, according to a 2023 study.
  • Neurotrophic factors: Researchers are looking into therapies that stimulate the growth and survival of neurons to see how they can help treat Alzheimer’s.
  • Combination therapies: Several studies are examining the efficacy of combining multiple treatments to help manage Alzheimer’s disease effectively.

It’s important to note that many of these treatments are still in various stages of clinical trials to evaluate their long-term safety and effectiveness.

What is the most promising treatment for Alzheimer’s?

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, three of the most promising Alzheimer’s treatments are disease-modifying drugs:

  • lecanemab (Leqembi)
  • donanemab
  • remternetug

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved lecanemab in 2023. It was the first approval for a new Alzheimer’s drug in 20 years. The other two are still in clinical trials.

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While gene therapy is still an emerging treatment for Alzheimer’s, several current treatments are available to help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. They include:

  • Cholinesterase inhibitors: Doctors commonly prescribe medications to improve memory and cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s by increasing levels of neurotransmitters. These include:
  • Memantine: The medication memantine (Namenda) manages moderate to severe Alzheimer’s symptoms by regulating glutamate activity, which is involved in learning and memory.
  • Behavioral and psychiatric medications: Doctors can recommend antidepressants and antipsychotic medications to manage mood and behavioral symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and agitation.
  • Lifestyle modifications: Encouraging regular physical exercise, a healthy diet, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation can help improve overall well-being and potentially slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.
  • Supportive therapies: Occupational, speech, and physical therapy can help you maintain your independence and manage daily tasks.

While these treatments can alleviate some symptoms and improve quality of life, they do not provide a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

Ongoing research seeks to develop more effective treatments and ultimately find a way to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s.

There’s no definitive cure for Alzheimer’s, but gene therapy shows potential in slowing its progression and improving the cognitive function of people with this condition.

Gene therapy involves precisely manipulating genetic and molecular factors that cause Alzheimer’s. It can target beta-amyloid plaques, reduce inflammation, reduce the loss of brain cells, and even replace damaged neurons.

However, gene therapy treatment for Alzheimer’s is still in its experimental stages. More studies are needed to establish its safety and efficacy.