A vaccine to prevent Alzheimer’s

In an experimental drug to “dissolve” the senile plaques, considered the basic pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s.

The Unit of Neurology Hospital MultiMedia castle is one of only four centers in Italy selected for the first study in the world that aims to identify a real prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and not just symptomatic treatment.

Today in Italy at least 700,000 people are affected by more or less advanced forms of dementia. “Dementia in Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form – says Massimo Franceschi, head of the Functional Neurology Hospital MultiMedia Castello – the most serious consequence of aging, and therefore with increasing ‘ life expectancy of our population is expected that an epidemic of dementia in the coming years. It currently affects 7% of those between 65 and 85 years and 40% of the nineties, but in fact the process that leads to Alzheimer’s disease begins decades before the onset of symptoms. ”

Currently we are studying drugs for use in patients at risk before the onset of symptoms of dementia, when the budget is still relatively intact neurons.

“Patients with the so-called Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), that is, with clear symptoms of amnesia but not debilitating – Franceschi continues – and with certain genetic characteristics, CSF and hippocampal atrophy evident on MRI are those with a high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. ”

The pharmaceutical company Roche has recently developed a vaccine that can “melt” the senile plaques, which are considered to be the pathogenetic basis of disease, so in theory, be able to stop the progress of the disease that leads to Alzheimer’s dementia.

This vaccine appears to be very well tolerated and free of risks in the past had made similar drugs. Roche has identified 63 centers around the world to be entrusted with the great challenge of demonstrating that this vaccine can actually prevent Alzheimer’s disease in high-risk individuals as those with MCI. These include the Hospital MultiMedia Castellanza.

“We started to recruit patients selected – Franceschi says – with a high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and no medical contraindications, will be subject to monthly subcutaneous injections of vaccine over the next two years. Since this is a study in second phase , measures to immediately identify any adverse effects will be numerous and very accurate. ”

All visits, vaccinations and laboratory tests required will be free for both the patient and the NHS. From December 2010 began the selection of patients at the Unit of Neurology, with the help of General Practitioners and other neurological centers in the area.