Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and Gladstone Institutes started by looking at how Alzheimer's altered gene expression in the brain.
"We're excited that our computational approach led us to a potential combination therapy for Alzheimer's based on existing FDA-approved medications.".
Having picked out letrozole and irinotecan as the best candidates, the researchers tested them in mouse models of Alzheimer's.
When used in tandem, the drugs were shown to reverse some of the brain changes brought on by the disease.
By combining the two drugs together, the researchers were able to target different types of brain cells affected by the disease.
Finding ways to prevent the disease and even reverse symptoms would have a huge impact on global health.
"We're hopeful this can be swiftly translated into a real solution for millions of patients with Alzheimer's.". »