$Unique_ID{BRK00768}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is "NGF" a Hope for Alzheimer's Disease Therapy?}
$Subject{medication medications Alzheimer's treatment treatments nerve growth
factor NGF nerves}
$Volume{R-1}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is "NGF" a Hope for Alzheimer's Disease Therapy?


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QUESTION:  My mother has Alzheimer's Disease and we try to keep up with all
the latest developments in therapy for her.  We have heard that there is a new
drug called "NGF" that offers new hope, and we wonder if you know where it is
available.  We are willing to go anywhere.

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ANSWER:  I am sorry to dash your hopes, but NGF (which stands for Nerve Growth
Factor) is not available anywhere as a medication for Alzheimer's Disease.
Not yet, anyway.  It is still in the process of animal investigation, although
scientists are working on producing a chemical suitable for investigational
use in humans.  NGF may be able to stimulate certain brain nerve cells to
regenerate, or at least keep them from dying, and thus stop the degenerative
process of Alzheimer's Disease.  However, for all of the hopeful expectation,
there are other scientists who advise a more measured, slower approach to
research to consider safety and efficacy factors most carefully.  While I
sympathize with you and the families of other Alzheimer sufferers, I must
advise caution.  Do not embark on a fruitless search for cures that do not yet
exist.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.