Glaucoma Drug Shows Promise Against Alzheimer's

Recent research from the University of Cambridge indicates that methazolamide, a drug typically used to treat glaucoma, may help mitigate tau protein build-up associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The study involved screening over 1,400 drugs on genetically engineered zebrafish and mice models, revealing that methazolamide effectively reduced tau aggregation and improved cognitive functions. This finding is significant as dementia currently affects over 5 million Americans, with no known cure for Alzheimer's. The research emphasizes the potential of repurposing existing medications and suggests that carbonic anhydrase inhibitors could be key in treating tauopathies. Additionally, insights from a recent Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation roundtable discussed the importance of combination therapies to enhance treatment efficacy. These developments set the stage for future clinical trials aimed at combating dementia-related conditions.