Researchers at Texas A&M University College of Medicine have developed a promising nasal spray therapy targeting neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease, potentially delaying its progression by over 10 years. The treatment uses extracellular vesicles derived from neural stem cells to reduce inflammation and protein build-up in the brain.
In early-stage animal models, the therapy altered the activity of microglia, the brain’s immune cells, reducing harmful inflammation without impairing their ability to clear plaque buildup. If successful in human trials, the nasal spray could significantly improve quality of life and delay severe cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients.
According to Ashok K. Shetty, a University Distinguished Professor, the therapy’s effectiveness lies in its ability to alter microglia gene expression and reduce proinflammatory proteins without affecting their plaque-clearing function. The researchers found that treatment reduced inflammation, plaque buildup, and protein accumulation in the brain, as well as improved cognitive and mood functions.
The therapy is administered via a nasal spray, non-invasively targeting cells perpetuating chronic neuroinflammation. Researchers believe this approach could delay Alzheimer’s progression by 10-15 years, offering significant improvement in quality of life. The study’s findings have already inspired further research, with the hope that successful trials could lead to treatment of Alzheimer’s-related changes and severe cognitive issues.
Source: https://neurosciencenews.com/alzheimers-nasal-spray-27988