Joined: 12/6/2011
Posts: 3326
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From Alzheimer's Daily News:
(Source: WebMD) - A drug that's already been approved by the FDA for use in HIV patients may also help slow the decline of memory and mental function experienced by people who are in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
The drug, Egrifta, stimulates the release of human growth hormone from the brain's pituitary gland. It was approved by the FDA in 2010 to help correct the abnormal distribution of body fat that often occurs in patients who live with HIV.
A new study suggests that it may also slow memory loss in people who have mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that often precedes full-blown Alzheimer's disease.
"Their expected decline was cut in half," said researcher Laura Baker, PhD.
By the end of the study, people on the drug were also better able to recall words and details of stories a bit better than people on the placebo, though the differences between the groups were not significant.
Go to full story: http://www.webmd.com
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