New drug can combat brain memory decline

- Thu, 8 Nov 2007

A drug that is commonly used to treat high blood pressure and enlargement of the prostate, called prazosin, may also protect the brain from stress-hormone related damage, including that caused by Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and even post traumatic stress disorder.

It works on inhibiting the stress steroid called glucocorticoid. In low does, the steroid can have an anti-inflammatory effect on the brain.  "We think prazosin protects the brain from being damaged by excessive levels of corticosteroid stress hormones," the study's co-author Paul M. Berger told Science Daily. "The one thing we don't know for sure is, would you have to get it before you're traumatized?"

His team are now conducting further research to determine this and how to develop ways prazosin can be applied to humans for use in memory protection. To see the full report on this research in Science Dailyclick here.

While the race is on in the scientific community to find surefire ways to cure stress related brain damage and drug treatments for memory protection, there already exists a proven way to strengthen the brain's memory pathways which can help protect against memory loss, dementia and even Alzheimer's symptoms. It's called brain training.

In the same way that physical exercise keeps muscles strong and yourbody limber, doing brain training exercises on the computer strengthens the neural pathways and ensures that your memory stays fit and in peak condition regardless of your physical age. To find out more about the science of braintraining, click here.The exercises developed by leading neuropsychologist Nicola Gates for HeadStrong Cognitive Fitness are rated the world's most scientifically sound by SharpBrains, the leading distributor of brain training software. You can participate for as little as US$20 a month. To sign up, click here.