Alzheimer’s drug could reduce alcohol withdrawal damage, researchers say

An investigational dementia drug may also make alcohol withdrawal easier by calming brain inflammation linked to addiction and relapse.

That’s according to researchers at the University of Kentucky who are studying an experimental drug called MW150 that targets the brain inflammation pathway known as p38α MAPK.

The drug, which has not yet been approved, is designed to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

DEATHS FROM ALCOHOL HAVE MORE THAN DOUBLED IN RECENT YEARS, ESPECIALLY IN WOMEN

Scientists believe that neuroinflammation may contribute to relapse risk and long-term neurological damage in people with alcohol use disorder.

In laboratory and animal model experiments, MW150 has been found to reduce certain inflammatory markers during alcohol withdrawal.

The study, published in the journal Alcohol, came from the University of Kentucky Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, led by neuroinflammation researcher Linda Van Eldik.

EXPERTS REVEAL THESE 8 RISKS OF ALCOHOL FOR OLDER ADULTS

D., Ph.D., co-author of the study and a researcher in Van Eldik’s laboratory. Caleb Bailey said the study provides “biological plausibility” that MW150 may reduce neuroinflammation caused by alcohol withdrawal.

Alcohol use disorder is difficult to treat due to high relapse rates, especially during abstinence, according to Bailey.

Alcohol use disorder is difficult to treat due to high relapse rates, especially during abstinence, according to researchers. (iStock)

“If follow-up experiments reveal similar anti-inflammatory effects of MW150 in animal models of alcohol use disorder, this would provide a strong rationale for the development of MW150 as a treatment for individuals struggling with chronic alcohol relapse due to alcohol withdrawal,” he told Fox News Digital.

‘NEUROSURGERY — HERE IS WHAT ALCOHOL DOES TO THE BODY’

MW150, along with a related drug called Neflamapimod, is already being investigated in clinical trials as a potential treatment for dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions, the researchers noted.

“This gives this study even more significance,” Bailey said. “As these compounds are currently in development for other neurological diseases, if future studies continue to show promise, it raises the possibility that they may one day be repurposed more efficiently for alcohol-related conditions.”

CLICK TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

The research had some important caveats, including the fact that it was done in cell culture and animal models.

“Because these are ‘dish’-based models, they provide limited information about what’s going on throughout the organism, or even the entire brain,” Bailey said.

MW150, along with a related drug called Neflamapimod, is currently being investigated in clinical trials as a potential treatment for dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions. (iStock)

“A series of follow-up studies in live animals are needed to better understand how future MW150 treatment in alcohol use and withdrawal affects systemic health and/or alcohol consumption.”

CLICK FOR MORE HEALTH NEWS

Dr. D., deputy chief medical officer of Silver Hill Hospital in Connecticut. Amy Swift was not involved in the research but shared her reactions to the findings.

“Although detoxification by reducing medication doses has long been considered an evidence-based first step in treating alcohol use disorder, its impact on the long-term course of a person’s drinking behavior is limited,” he told Fox News Digital.

“Minimizing alcohol consumption…is the best strategy for staying healthy.”

“Simply put, detoxification does not cure alcohol use disorder per se; instead, it prevents the potentially fatal complications of alcohol withdrawal.”

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

According to Swift, the addition of supportive medications (especially those aimed at improving overall brain health) could address an important gap in early treatment of detoxification.

“It would be useful to investigate whether reducing neuroinflammation could improve a patient’s ability to begin treatment earlier in recovery and, in turn, meaningfully alter their long-term relationship with alcohol,” one expert said. (iStock)

“Given the profound inflammatory effects of alcohol on multiple organ systems, it would be useful to investigate whether reducing neuroinflammation could improve a patient’s ability to begin treatment earlier in recovery and, in turn, meaningfully alter their long-term relationship with alcohol,” he added.

Bailey emphasized that no amount of alcohol consumption is good for physical health.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

“We currently do not have robust pharmacological treatments to alleviate the damage caused by chronic alcohol consumption,” he said. “Therefore, minimizing alcohol consumption is the best strategy to stay healthy.”

While the MW150 compound continues to be studied for patients with dementia, Bailey saud said, “information about the interactions between these drugs and alcohol – for better or worse – will be important in terms of patient outcomes.”