Flowers May Hold Hidden Alzheimer's Treatment
A natural substance found in some flowers could offer hope
for sufferers of Alzheimer's disease.
Certain species of daffodil produce a substance called galanthamine,
an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor which has been approved in several
countries for the treatment of dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's sufferers have low levels of a neurotransmitter
called acetylcholine in their brains. AChE is the enzyme that breaks down
acetylcholine. Clinical trials have shown AChE inhibitors like galanthamine
can stabilize or improve cognition, mood, and behavior in people with Alzheimer's
disease by restricting the production of AChE. Galanthamine will not cure
Alzheimer's, but it may be an important treatment for the disease.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, making
up 55% of all cases of dementia. Dementia affects one person in 20 over
the age of 65 and one person in five over the age of 80.
Source: I-Newswire, 8-3-05
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