Scientists noted a stabilization in symptoms such as delusions and anxiety in patients with dementia associated with Parkinson who have taken amberxol, a drug present in the cough syrups.
A common ingredient in cough syrups sold in Europe can be a secret weapon for patients with dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease, according to a promising clinical trial in Jama Neurology. The medicine, AmbroxolIt has been used since 1979 in the treatment of respiratory diseases, but is not yet approved in the United States, Canada or Australia.
In a phase 2 clinical trial, led by Western University neurologist Stephen Pasternak in Canada, investigators tested the effects of Ambroxol in 47 patients with dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease over a year.
The 22 participants who received high doses of Ambroxol presented a stabilization of neuropsychiatric symptoms Important, such as delusions, hallucinations, anxiety, apathy and abnormal motor activity. In contrast, the 25 patients who received placebo recorded a significant aggravation of symptoms, says.
Patients who took placebo worsened an average of 3.73 points on a standard neuropsychiatric scale, while those who took Ambroxol improved 2.45 points. Although there are no significant improvements in cognitive functions, such as memory or language, in none of the groups, those who took Ambroxol report less falls and better symptom control Not day by day.
“Ambroxol can protect brain functionEspecially in people with genetic risk, ”said Pasternak.“ It’s a promising therapeutic pathway in an area where there are few options. ”
An aspect of increasing interest involves patients with GBA1 gene variants, associated with lower glucocerebrosidase enzyme activity (gcase) and increased accumulation of toxic proteins in the brain. These clusters, known as Lewy bodies, are strongly linked to Parkinson’s dementia.
In the rehearsal, it was found that Ambroxol increased GCASE activity 1.5 times, with special benefit for patients with mutations in the GBA1 gene. Although these results are still preliminary, due to the reduced number of participants, suggest potential for personalized medicine approaches.
Some participants suffered slight gastrointestinal effects, which led to some dropouts, but no serious adverse effects were registered.
In addition to Parkinson’s disease, scientists are optimistic about the potential of Ambroxol in the treatment of other neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (her), gaucher disease or even spinal cord injuries, thanks to its ability to cross the hematoencephalic barrier.
