[Animals] Alzheimer's in animals: two drugs in use offer novel results

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Dogs and cats suffer from the same disease called SDCS and produce signs similar to those of Alzheimer's in humans. Advances in science

When it comes to Alzheimer's treatments, it is necessary to be very cautious. Especially in human beings in whom, as this neurodegenerative disease has no cure, any advance is received with great expectation.

It should be noted that especially the dog, but also the cat, suffer a similar pathology that is defined as senile cognitive dysfunction syndrome.

It manifests itself with absences, inadequate elimination (the dog urinates and / or defecates where it should not suddenly), alters its rhythms of sleep and wakefulness and ostensibly changes its character.

The natural deterioration of many parts of the body is accompanied by the brain with its particular decline manifested by forgetfulness that in the dog is reflected by staring at a door for not remembering where it opens, for example.

 

It is also common for dogs to whine at night or remain static in the corner of a large room as disoriented or dumbfounded.

 

A drug used for pathologies as diverse as acne or psoriasis has been shown in mice that it can counteract brain damage and that it can even improve cognition (iStock)
In the dog, there are some drugs that help to cope and veterinarians specialized in old age know how to deal with these pathological circumstances with a certain margin of success.

What is striking about recent research is the case of two old drugs: gemfibrosil, used to reduce circulating cholesterol, and retinoic acid, used for pathologies as diverse as acne or psoriasis, have been shown in mice to counteract brain damage and They can even improve cognition.

Treatment with both drugs in combination applied to animals has shown some potential success and some promising results.

Both drugs have the uncanny ability to target brain cells, which look like stars intimately involved in the process that progressively and insidiously destroys the brain.

 

These cells, called astrocytes, are responsible for the accumulation of plaque that damages neurons, in this disease of humans, dogs and cats (iStock)
These cells, called astrocytes, have been found to be responsible for the accumulation of plaque that damages neurons in this disease of humans, dogs and cats.

It has also been found that when both drugs are used in combination, they force astrocytes to reverse their destructiveness and reduce the formation and deposition of these plaques in the brain, improving cognitive function.

The results suggested that, perhaps in the not too distant future, these drugs can be reused to "persuade" those cells to play a beneficial role, serving as plaque "cleaning machines" by removing their build-up and preventing Alzheimer's from destroying the brain .

 

Link: https://www.infobae.com/america/perrosygatos/2021/11/16/alzheimer-en-animales-dos-farmacos-en-uso-ofrecen-resultados-novedosos/