Feb 15, 2007 5:39 pm US/Eastern
Researchers Testing New Alzheimer's Vaccine
by Dr. Mallika Marshall
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
It could be one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs ever, a new way to treat and even prevent Alzheimer's disease.
For a 70-year-old, Ada English is in good shape. She has no outward signs she has early stage Alzheimer's disease, except to her family.
Ada's husband of 50 years, Joseph says it's subtle, but significant. The confusion and memory loss that comes and goes.
Alzheimer's is caused by the build up of plaque that slowly destroys parts of the brain and until now there's been no effective treatment.
But now researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are testing a promising new vaccine.
Preliminary research shows the intravenous drug can eliminate plaque and prevent it from forming.
"The hope is that once you get rid of those plaques and once you stop them from forming again that the brain will begin to be able to function normally," said Dr. Christopher Clark.
Ada is among the first group of patients to test the experimental treatment.
"I don't know enough to know how I feel about it," said Ada.
"We would be happy if we could just keep things pretty much with the minimal limitations that she has," said Joseph.
If this vaccine or other experimental treatments don't work, millions of other Alzheimer's patients and their families face a difficult and painful, long goodbye.
But for now Ada and Joseph find ways to enjoy the commitment they made to each other 50 years ago.
"We don't have any fights or arguments anything like that," said Ada.
"We are not quitters. You hunker down and you get going," said Joseph.
It will take years before researchers know if this vaccine works and if it could be used for anyone who has a family history or early stages of Alzheimer's.
This vaccine is not being tested locally, but as of early February Penn was still accepting volunteers who want to test the treatments in Pennsylvania. For more information on the Alzheimer's Vaccine Trial call Penn's Alzheimer's Center at 215-662-7810.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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