Could some antibiotics help treat early-onset dementia?

 Some form of dementia-like frontotemporal dementia can show early symptoms at 40. Frontotemporal dementia, or frontotemporal lobar dementia, is an umbrella term that refers to a range of early-onset dementias characterized by the progressive atrophying of the brain’s frontal lobes, temporal lobes, or both. Cognitive function impairments and personality and behavioral changes, difficulty in writing, and speaking are the significant symptoms of this kind of dementia. They are mostly genetic or hereditary. Studies suggest a genetic mutation that prevents brain cells from making a protein called progranulin. The absence of Progranulin is associated with this kind of dementia.

The role of antibiotics 

The brain cells that are mutated and show an absence of progranulin synthesis, in the presence of antibiotics, 'trick' the cellular machinery into making it. The researchers found two specific aminoglycoside antibiotics -- Gentamicin and G418 -- were influential in fixing the mutation and making the functional progranulin protein. After adding Gentamicin or G418 molecules to the affected cells, the progranulin protein level was recovered up to about 50 to 60%. According to the studies, G418 molecules were more effective than gentamicin molecules in restoring progranulin production.

The role of antibiotics is yet to be researched, which can lead to the development of a drug that can fight off some of the mechanisms that promote dementia.

Final Word

Dementia is a severe problem that can lead to memory loss; the problem with thinking ability can affect performing a daily activity, can cause agitation, stress, anxiety, and can make the person aggressive. The caregiver must know about early signs and symptoms and consult the doctor before the disease enters an advanced stage. Studies suggest that a few antibiotics can treat some kind of dementia at an early stage. But a permanent cure is not found, and palliative care is the best available treatment modality for dementia. If your loved one has dementia, consults Nema Care, we ensure the best palliative care and have the best doctors for treating the patients. We provide the best palliative care in Delhi NCR. Book your appointment now.