A DRUG commonly used to treat iron overload may speed up brain function decline in Alzheimer's patients, according to Australian researchers.
Initially, scientists hypothesised that deferiprone, a medication that reduces iron levels in patients who need frequent blood transfusions, could slow Alzheimer's progression due to the observed link between high brain iron levels and cognitive decline in patients.
The study, conducted at nine Australian sites from 2018 to 2023, involved 81 participants with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's.
Participants, aged over 54, were randomly assigned to receive either deferiprone or a placebo twice daily for one year.
Cognitive function was measured at baseline, six months, and 12 months.
While deferiprone successfully reduced iron levels in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus, patients who took it showed faster cognitive decline compared to the placebo group.
This deterioration was especially pronounced in executive function tests.
Additionally, MRI scans showed increased brain volume loss in certain frontal areas among the deferiprone group.
Safety concerns also emerged, with a higher-than-expected incidence of neutropenia, a potentially serious side effect.
Researchers concluded that although deferiprone effectively lowers brain iron, it may worsen Alzheimer's symptoms, indicating that iron reduction might be detrimental for these patients.
Further studies are needed to better understand the role of iron in Alzheimer's and develop safer approaches for treatment.
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