Alzheimer’s Disease Drug Research Proceeds; Diabetes Drugs, Vitamin B1, and Flossing May Work

With millions of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease, there is a lot of interest by drug companies to come up with a cure. But that interest has thus far not translated into drugs that work. Two companies—Pfizer, Inc. and Axovant Sciences Ltd.—have recently exited the business, but others are continuing their research, and new ones are starting. Curiously, new research indicates that drugs used to treat diabetes may work for Alzheimer’s too … at least in mice.

The brain needs vitamin B1 (thiamine) to make acetylcholine as Alzheimer’s sufferers are deficient in it.

And another possible way to avoid, or at least delay, Alzheimer’s is to floss your teeth religiously.

To Floss or Not To Floss, That Is the Question

While there is little proof that flossing your teeth daily prevents gum disease and cavities, there still may be an important benefit in helping keep Alzheimer’s Disease at bay.

And no less a person than Atari founder Nolan Bushell brought together a team of scientists to create a set of “Anti-Aging Games” that are designed to stimulate the brains of healthy people to help reduce the risk of early memory loss. Included in the dozen recommendations is “Don’t forgt to floss”. Actually, Anti-Aging Games is only one of several alternatives that purport to keep one young by training their brains. Another is Lumosity, which is not uniformly respected. In fact, we are surprised that Public Radio accepts them as an advertiser, though it does have to have sponsorship to stay in business.