“Just because something works in mice doesn’t mean it will work in humans. According to a Trends in Neuroscience review, there have been 300 reports of treatments that ameliorate Alzheimer’s in mice since 1995. But the number of cures in humans in 2012: Zero.”
Mary am well aware, I find this wee bit of hope of interest because of the source..One of the leading institutions in the country and because the drug is currently available. I have an MS in Pharmacy and perhaps because of this a unique relationship with our PCP. I faxed his the actual research report this AM ( He's a gerontologist/hospice/family physician. ). He called about 20min. ago and asked me to meet him tomorrow to discuss. What do we have to lose by going off label. DW is moderate++. He knows her feelings:- Several years ago in a far more lucid phase she was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer. Without chemo she was told she had 6 months. She made it very clear she woud ottake chemo. She told the surgeon he couldvoperate, but nothing more telling him she would prefer to die in 6 months than linger for years like a veggie, her words, as her mother did with Alzheimer's. She been symptom free of cancer since leaving thev hospital. her oncologist still doesn't believe physically she's fine. So if D ou Md says let's give it a shot what's to lose. I've already lost the woman I've be married to for 51 yrs
When this information first broke a few weeks ago, according to a follow-up article doctors were bombarded with people wanting to try with their AD spouse/parent/etc. Said it was unlikely any doctor would try it on AD until further testing. Nelson, I hope your doctor will think seriously about trying it if you are willing to risk it. My husband, who reject trials, said he would.
Since it is an approved (safe) drug, that would give it a big head start. I wonder: if they begin trials in Alzheimer’s will they be able to skip Phase 1 ?
A review of clinical trials shows the drug has been tried for many conditions – in addition to a wide range of cancers: Schizophrenia, Psoriasis, Alopecia, Mycosis Fungoides, HIV infections, Cushing's Disease
Please keep us posted as to any results if you can get the doctor to prescribe it. I agree – what do we have to lose?
No surprises: MD logically wouldn't know where to start..dose, toxitity etc. My DW has over the last several years had mulit surgeries inculding excising 1/3rd of her liver, 1/3 of her small intestines, her gall bladder and ovaries. This drug has demonstrated significant liver toxicity. MD - my oath says: do no harm, administering this to your wife would not only be potentially harmful but lethal. I just not could bring myself to try it on her off label. He looked at DW who was sitting in her usual silent mode and asked if she had any idea what was were were talking about, she shook her head in the affirmative. He asked would she want it, same response. He asked if she understood his feelings and the tears flowed as she again nodded in the afirmative ..... a hand shake, an embrace and parting comment; go enjoy every moment. The sun may not be over the yardarm, but I need a drink
of course he is we have previously discussed the adequacy & lack of protection an informed consent release would offer him. Dw"s Liver issues were his overwhelming concern.
Charolte. Dw was in a drug trial by Wyeth several years ago. After 1 yr 20% of those on the med had scores improve by up to 40%. DW's response was dramatic Those on the placebo saw scores go up <7%. Wyeth concluded not enough to be a commercial success and never concluded the application. They made no meds available for compassionate use, I scoured the world and haunted Wyeth execs. Never got another pill and within 4 mos. she regressed to scores lower than pre test. this is the thanks for spending untold hours of testing and risk. BEWARE WASTING YOUR TIME AND EMOTIONS ON TRIALS. There is nothing more disturbing than watching your LO demonstrate their deficits trying to draw a clock etc., see them one day be able to preform the task and then have the MD say sorry go back to your private hell
Update: "Anecdotally, we have all heard that physicians are treating their Alzheimer's patients with bexarotene, a cancer drug with severe side effects," said study co-author Robert Vassar, a professor of cell and molecular biology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, in Chicago. "This practice should be ended immediately, given the failure of three independent research groups to replicate the plaque-lowering effects of bexarotene."
Scientists Can't Replicate Surprising Finding on Alzheimer's Treatment Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/health/mental-health/HealthDay676597_20130523_Scientists_Can_t_Replicate_Surprising_Finding_on_Alzheimer_s_Treatment.html#eMyJD4BYSc8fZbk3.99
There is another cancer drug that is being tested for people with Alz. http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2013/05/10/do-we-have-another-drug-candidate-for-alzheimers-and-dementia/
My concern is that they attack the plaques and there is controversy whether or not the plaques cause Alz or are a reaction, and protection, to the actual cause.
I'm not a scientist, but I think we can finally finally put to bed the amyloid plaque hypothesis. The plaques are a just a step in the cascade of symptoms tirggered by proteins misfolding:
Molecular Trigger for Alzheimer's Disease Identified
May 20, 2013 — Researchers have pinpointed a catalytic trigger for the onset of Alzheimer’s disease – when the fundamental structure of a protein molecule changes to cause a chain reaction that leads to the death of neurons in the brain.
full article here: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130520154217.htm