Alzheimer's breakthrough offers hope
Alzheimer's breakthrough offers hope
A Gold Coast researcher could be on the cusp of a medical breakthrough in the fight to cure Alzheimer's disease.
Clinical trials are about to start using a common drug that could change the way patients are treated in Australia.
Inside a tiny bottle could be the answer to one of the world’s biggest health problems. It's called Enbrel - an everyday drug used to treat arthritis.
"It's quite miraculous, when it does work, it works sensationally well," Associate professor Stephen Ralph of Griffith University said.
"In many, many different ways it'll be revolutionary if this shows an improvement in Alzheimer’s."
Professor Ralph is preparing to start clinical trials on the Gold Coast. 20 patients will receive weekly injections, while another 20 will be given a placebo.
The drug hasn't been tested in Australia before, but has shown remarkable results in the United States.
"It will be a breakthrough if we can repeat the kind of results that they had in the United States clinics."
Judy Ogden cares for her 62-year-old husband, and he's been battling the debilitating disease for eight years.
"I'm not looking forward to the time when he can't remember me," she said.
"There's hope for the next lot of people coming through, even if it's not us."
Current treatment slows the spread of the disease, but can't stop it. However researchers are hopeful Enbrel can.
Results will be known within 12 months. If successful there will be more studies, which could lead to the drug becoming widely available.
"I'm hoping that we can really make a difference to the lot of Alzheimer’s patients in Australia," Professor Ralph said.
To see if you, or someone you know are eligible to take part in the trial, visit Griffith's Alzheimer's website or or email the team.
