A recent study is looking at eyedrops for glaucoma and the potential prevention or possible treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. I have a vested interest in that because I have glaucoma and use a form of the medication in question for it. The function of the medication is like a localized diuretic; the medication is absorbed into the blood stream and is carried throughout the body.

Researchers discovered that an enzyme inhibitor called a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor affect the formation of amyloid bodies in blood vessels. The medication may work inside the mitochondrion in some way to prevent formation of these proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. When they administered the medication to mice at about eight months of life forward, the mice didn’t demonstrate the cognitive decline found in untreated mice.

While the actual mechanism of action is not specifically understood yet, if it proves effective in clinical trials in humans, a pharmaceutical developed to help with one condition may benefit people in other ways. Not all intended consequences turn out to be negative. I’ll cover another interesting study on Saturday.

What are you prepared to do today?

        Dr. Chet

Reference: https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.13063