More Clues in the Alzheimer Conundrum

Two new reports add insights into possible mechanisms of Alzheimer disease (AD).

Tarenflurbil is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that modifies γ-secretase function, thereby decreasing the accumulation of amyloid-beta_1-42 (Aβ[42]) in experimental transgenic animals. In one large clinical trial, researchers attempted to delay functional decline by randomizing more than 1000 patients with mild AD who were seen at 133 centers to receive placebo or tarenflurbil for 18 months. Tarenflurbil did not confer a benefit in any outcome measures, including the coprimary endpoints — rate of cognitive decline or change in activities of daily living — or any secondary outcome measure. The authors comment, “Our results are . . . a reminder that interven…