New Treatment for Lewy Body Dementia [Latest Findings]

Lewy body dementia is a medical condition that leads to progressive dementia in individuals usually in their advanced years. A person with this condition might begin to hallucinate, sleep irregular hours, or lose their ability to think and reason.

But, is there a cure for Lewy body dementia? According to the NHS, as of 2023, there’s no complete cure for this condition, but there are treatment methods to alleviate the symptoms. In other words, the treatment makes life livable for the person with this condition. 

I have done some internet research to find out more about the new treatment for Lewy body dementia. I can confirm that scientists are working harder than ever to find a drug to treat this neurodegenerative disorder. They are progressing quite well, but it will take a few more decades before we can call Lewy body dementia a thing of the past. 

Scientists say drug repurposing might be the ultimate solution 

A study by John T. O’Brien and his colleagues suggests that sometimes it is a good idea to use a suitable drug that is already in use— instead of inventing a new one. At present cholinesterase inhibitors are the best bet for treating Lewy body dementia. In the near future, drugs such as ambroxol might be repurposed.

Medical practitioners routinely suggest ambroxol for patients with respiratory problems such as cough build-up in the chest (also known as Bronchiectasis). The same drug can be used— soon — to treat Lewy body dementia. Ambroxol is a mucolytic agent that has neuroprotective effects. It can reduce α-synuclein pathology, and improve mitochondrial function in the brain cells. 

Currently, scientists have experimented with this drug on rats, mice, and flies. 

John and his team conducted clinical trials with 17 patients. The results were quite positive, and ambroxol did not seem to have any adverse side effects. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that the researcher implemented the Delphi technique which involves seeking feedback from the participants via questionnaires and forms.

A popular drug used to treat Alzheimer’s disease can be effective against Lewy bodies, suggests Dr. Melita Petrossian

Dr. Melita Petrossian, MD, the Director of the Pacific Movement Disorders Center did a study to find the efficacy of Neflamapimod for the treatment of Lewy body dementia. This drug was also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and muscle inflammation. The patients who participated in this study showed positive results, and hence the doctors allowed them to take the same medicine for a prolonged period. 

However, it should be noted that the FDA hasn’t yet approved the use of Neflamapimod for the treatment of Lewy body dementia. The first phase of this study was done in 2020, and it was a massive success. Dr. Melita updates that the phase 2 trial has also been a success (it was done in February 2021). Let’s hope that the phase 3 trial reaps positive results. 

Here’s some good news: $29 million was granted by the NHS to the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine to find the efficacy of a new drug to treat Lewy body dementia

It is not surprising that the NHS spends a fortune each year on research and development of new drugs and treatment methods. When it comes to dementia, the NHS has recently spent $29 million just to find out if a drug called “CT1812” is safe and effective for Lewy body dementia patients. 

The research will be performed under the guidance of Dr. James Galvin, M.D., M.P.H. from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Florida. 

Just like CT1812 prevents the binding of amyloid proteins in the brain of someone with Alzheimer’s disease, it performs a similar function to alpha-synuclein protein. This primary protein is responsible for the development of Lewy bodies. 

Hence, there was an urgency by the NHS to find out if this drug can be legitimately used for the treatment of Lewy body dementia.

It is to be noted that both Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia function in a similar manner. They both lead to the growth of certain proteins in the brain that clogs and hinders the growth of brain cells. Dr. Gavin took this point into account when performing the research.

Medical disclaimer: This article is meant for educational and informational purposes only. Do not take it as medical advice. Consult your doctor if you are exhibiting symptoms that may suggest Dementia.