Recent research suggests that a drug initially developed to fight cancer could be repurposed to treat early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers at Penn State have found that blocking an enzyme known as indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) can improve memory and brain function in models that simulate Alzheimer’s disease. IDO1 inhibitors have already demonstrated effectiveness against melanoma, leukemia, and breast cancer.
Melanie McReynolds, an assistant professor at Penn State and co-author of the study, noted, “We’re showing that IDO1 inhibitors, which are part of cancer treatment research, could also target and treat Alzheimer’s disease.”
The research team, which includes scientists from Penn State, Stanford University, and other institutions, discovered that inhibiting IDO1 helps restore normal glucose metabolism in astrocytes—cells that are crucial to brain function.
Glucose, a type of sugar, is the brain’s main energy source. Low glucose levels can disrupt brain function, leading to seizures, loss of consciousness, and potential long-term brain damage.
Praveena Prasad, a doctoral student at Penn State and co-author of the study, explained, “We’re showing that targeting the brain’s metabolism can not only slow but also reverse the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.”
The study, published in the journal Science, also suggests that IDO1 inhibitors might be beneficial for other neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease dementia.
Currently, nearly 7 million Americans have been diagnosed with dementia, but experts believe the true number is likely higher. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, marked by memory loss, confusion, and behavioral changes. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, existing medications can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression in its early stages.
