In mice, it works: This over-the-counter medication is supposed to protect us from dementia

Cologne –

Over-the-counter aspirin reduces the risk of Alzheimer's and can significantly slow the process of the disease in patients. That's what American researchers at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago have discovered through animal testing. Neurologists have published their findings in the current issue of the journal "The Journal of Neuroscience."

Dementia is considered a common disease, many scientists have been looking for years in the field, looking for causes and therapeutic options. Researchers today are largely in agreement that toxic proteins in the brain – especially in the hippocampus – are a major cause. Until now, one of the big puzzles has been whether these proteins can be eliminated and if the body can activate its own cleansing cells so that harmful proteins can be eliminated and dementia does not occur.

The painkillers are supposed to trigger the cleaning of the cells. clear

US researchers today announce a breakthrough in Alzheimer's disease research: they believe that painkillers only trigger those cleansing cells that can then eliminate harmful brain proteins for the disease. This is not only to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, but also to slow down the progression.

Protein deposits in the brain are the cause of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The researchers found that even a small dose of aspirin could reduce these protein deposition in the brain

which in turn turns on the TFEB protein, which stimulates the production of so-called lysosomes. Lysosomes are cleansing cells that destroy harmful proteins in the brain.

Animal experiments have shown that even a small dose of badgesic is sufficient to kill toxic proteins. The hippocampus, the part of the brain that is responsible for the memory, could be released from the protein deposits

Until now, only tested on mice

The disadvantage of l & # 39; 39 study: Until now, aspirin and effect on cells It is not yet clear whether the results can be pbaded on to humans.

Kalipada Pahan, lead author of the study, said, according to the Daily Mail, "There is currently no effective treatment to prevent or stop the disease. painkiller, which is used all over the world, could play a completely new role in the search for prevention and therapy.

(sar)