New Alzheimer's Treatment Targets Cell Energy, Not Plaques
A clinical trial will test if high-dose vitamin B1 (thiamine) can slow Alzheimer's progression by fixing how brain cells process energy.
A single neuroscience hypothesis could change how we treat Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Gary Gibson at Weill Cornell Medicine proposes that vitamin B1 deficiency in brain cells might trigger the disease by disrupting how cells use energy.
This marks a significant shift from standard Alzheimer's research. Most scientists focus on removing protein buildups (amyloid plaques) from the brain. Gibson's work suggests these plaques form because brain cells can't process energy properly.
The Science Behind the Theory
Brain cells need vitamin B1 (thiamine) to turn glucose into energy. Gibson found that cells from Alzheimer's patients struggle with this process. When his team gave cells high doses of a special form of B1 called benfotiamine, their energy processing improved.
Early testing shows promise. In a 70-patient trial, people who took benfotiamine showed 43% less cognitive decline than those who didn't. This led to a larger $45 million clinical trial starting in April 2024.
Why This Matters
Current Alzheimer's treatments focus on symptoms. They remove protein buildups through expensive IV treatments. Gibson's approach targets what might cause these buildups in the first place, using a simple oral medication.
The new trial will test this treatment in 406 patients across 50 U.S. sites. Scientists will track:
- Changes in brain energy use
- Protein buildup levels
- Cognitive function
- Overall brain health
A Note of Caution
Regular vitamin B1 supplements won't have the same effect. The trial uses a special form that raises B1 levels 100 times higher than normal supplements. Anyone interested should join the trial rather than try over-the-counter products.
Want to Learn More?
For trial information:
- Visit ClinicalTrials.gov or benfoteam.org
- Call 877-807-1290
For detailed research methods, visit: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/ja/d4ja00090k
This research opens a new path for Alzheimer's treatment. If successful, it could offer a simpler, more effective way to slow or stop the disease's progression.
