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The three Phase III studies of thousands of patients, which begin this summer, follow a preliminary study of 511 Alzheimer's patients that suggested the drug may help those patients who lack a gene that spurs more aggressive Alzheimer's, the Associated Press reported.

Diabetes, which damages blood vessels that supply the brain, has long been listed as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. However, this new theory suggests a more direct link - that Alzheimer's can be triggered when brain cells aren't able to properly use their main fuel - sugar. This is similar to Type II diabetes, which occurs when insulin loses its ability to process sugar in the entire body.

Avandia (rosiglitazone) treats Type II diabetes by resensitising the body to insulin. The Phase III studies will be conducted by Avandia maker GlaxoSmithKline.

"I don't think this is hype for rosiglitazone," Dr Sam Gandy, director of the Farber Institute for Neurosciences at Thomas Jefferson University, and an Alzheimer's Association spokesman, told the AP. "This does dovetail with some existing knowledge." – (HealthDayNews)

Visit our Alzheimer's Centre for more information.

May 2006
 

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