We all know about Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, many of us know someone who has been impacted by it.
But there is another lesser-known form of dementia that affects over a million Americans. It’s called Lewy Body dementia, or LBD. This progressive disease causes uncontrollable tremors and issues with memory, attention, and sleep. Unlike Alzheimer’s, there has been no cure or effective medication to stop its progression - until now.
Promising New Drug for LBD
Recently, actor Bruce Willis has brought attention to Lewy Body dementia due to his connection to the disease. Other notable figures like Robin Williams and Casey Kasem have also battled this condition. Dr. James Galvin, a neurologist at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, highlighted that Alzheimer’s remains the most common cause of dementia, with LBD ranking as the second most prevalent.
LBD is marked by abnormal protein accumulations within brain cells. These proteins undergo an abnormal transformation, clumping together to form what is known as a Lewy Body. While current treatments only focus on symptom management, a potential breakthrough has emerged.
Dr. Galvin is spearheading a nationwide research study on a new drug, CT-1812, designed to target these protein clusters within the brain. The hope is that this medication will not only alleviate symptoms but also slow down the progression of the disease.
National Research Study
The ongoing trial is actively enrolling participants across the country, specifically targeting individuals with mild to moderate Lewy Body dementia. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or CT-1812 pills for a period of six months.
It is worth noting that men face a higher susceptibility to LBD, with the average age of diagnosis being slightly younger than that of Alzheimer’s patients. Most individuals receive a diagnosis in their 60s, which contrasts with the typical mid-70s onset age for Alzheimer’s.
In conclusion, the introduction of CT-1812 signals a ray of hope for those affected by Lewy Body dementia. As researchers continue to explore new frontiers in treatment, the potential impact of this drug could offer relief and a slower disease progression for those battling this challenging condition.