Study: Experimental Vaccine Appears to Slow Alzheimer's Progression

An experimental vaccine has shown promise at slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease at one of the 28 sites where it is being evaluated, according to a study reported in the May 22 issue of the journal Neuron.

The vaccine, known as AN-1792, is designed to generate antibodies against beta-amyloid, the protein fragment considered to be the prime suspect triggering nerve cell degeneration in Alzheimer's disease.

At the Zurich, Switzerland site, 24 of the participants received an initial vaccine injection followed by one booster shot, while six received placebo injections.

The researchers had planned to administer seven or eight doses of the vaccine to participants, but six percent of the trial participants experienced brain inflammation and further vaccinations were halted. Nevertheless, the researchers continued to monitor the progress of those who had already received the vaccine.

Twenty patients generated antibodies against beta-amyloid. Patients who generated such antibodies showed significantly slower rates of decline of cognitive functions and activities of daily living

"Our results establish that antibodies against beta-amyloid plaques can slow cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease," concluded the research team led by Dr. Christoph Hock, and colleagues at the University of Zurich.

Acccording to the researchers, those showing benefit from the vaccine included two of the three individuals who developed symptoms of brain inflammation.

Other sources: Neuron 38; 547-554