Promising Research Links Seizure Medication to Alzheimer’s Prevention
A study from Northwestern University has revealed that levetiracetam, a medication originally used to control seizures, might help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. This drug, approved by the FDA in 1999 under the brand name Keppra, is now being explored for its potential in protecting brain health.
Researchers discovered that levetiracetam can block the production of harmful amyloid beta peptides—tiny protein fragments commonly associated with Alzheimer’s. This effect was observed in both animal studies and in human brain cells grown in lab cultures. Additionally, the team found similar effects in brain tissue from individuals with Down syndrome, a group that has a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Jeffrey Savas, an associate professor at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine, emphasized that while current Alzheimer’s treatments focus on removing existing amyloid plaques, levetiracetam may prevent the formation of these harmful proteins altogether. “Our findings could lead to new drug targets,” Savas mentioned, highlighting the importance of understanding this new biological mechanism.
As people age, their brains lose the ability to fend off pathways that create toxic amyloid beta proteins. Savas explained that this is a natural part of aging but can lead to more severe issues, including tau tangles—which are protein clumps that disrupt brain function and lead to dementia.
To be effective, high-risk individuals may need to start using levetiracetam up to 20 years before any signs of Alzheimer’s appear. Savas noted, “You can’t use this medication once dementia is already present; the brain will have undergone irreversible changes by then.”
The study looked into previous data and found that Alzheimer’s patients who were on levetiracetam experienced a notable delay in cognitive decline compared to those who were not taking the medication. Although the difference was modest, covering a matter of years, it supports the idea that levetiracetam has a beneficial effect on the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
However, the researchers acknowledged limitations in their study, noting that it mainly used animal models and lab-grown cells without human trials. They are also working on improving levetiracetam to enhance its effectiveness and make it last longer in the body.
The common side effects of levetiracetam can include tiredness, dizziness, and mood changes, as well as more severe reactions in rare cases. The researchers urge caution and are continually exploring ways to refine this promising medication.
Funding for this insightful research was provided by the National Institutes of Health and the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.
