Common epilepsy drug may prevent Alzheimer's disease

Laboratory research reports that levetiracetam, a widely used epilepsy drug, can halt early amyloid-related protein build-up linked to Alzheimer's, and scientists are developing a longer-acting formulation because the drug is metabolised very rapidly.

Researchers report that levetiracetam, a commonly prescribed epilepsy drug, can prevent the initial accumulation of amyloid-related proteins associated with Alzheimer's in laboratory studies. Current treatments for Alzheimer's generally act by removing some protein fragments after they form. The research group used genetically modified mouse models, cultured human neurons and human brain tissue from people with Down syndrome who died in their 20s or 30s to study early changes. Scientists say levetiracetam is metabolised very quickly in the body, and they are developing an improved formulation designed to stay active longer and target plaque formation more specifically. Important findings: - Levetiracetam was observed to halt early presynaptic protein accumulation in the laboratory models used by the team. - Existing Alzheimer's medications typically remove protein fragments rather than preventing initial build-up. - The drug is metabolised rapidly, which prompted work on a longer-acting formulation. - Researchers report that effective use would likely require very early administration, potentially many years before current diagnostic tools detect raised protein levels. - The study included genetically modified mice, cultured human neurons, and brain tissue from Down syndrome donors who would have been expected to develop Alzheimer's later in life. Summary: If these laboratory findings apply to people, an improved levetiracetam formulation could aim to stop the early protein changes that precede Alzheimer's. Researchers emphasise that the drug would probably need to be given long before clinical symptoms appear, and development of a longer-acting, targeted formulation is ongoing.