Studies have found that sodium selenate may be a promising new treatment for dementia in people under 60.
The first clinical trial was run at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. The results were promising. The majority of patients who received sodium selenate over a period of a year did not experience any changes in their cognitive or behavioural symptoms. Even more importantly, the damage in the brain was slowed down, compared to those who were not receiving the treatment.
The second clinical trial was conducted by Monash University. The results were similar, indicating that sodium selenate may slow cognitive decline and neuro-degenerative damage.
This is great news for those who are affected by dementia since there are currently no effective treatments available for this condition. The study is still in its early stages, but the results are promising and offer hope for a new treatment option for this debilitating disease.
“We have previously shown, in a Phase 2 trial, that sodium selenate given to patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s Disease resulted in less neurodegeneration than in those who did not. Importantly those patients in the trial with higher levels of selenium, a breakdown product of sodium selenate, in their bloodstream showed less cognitive decline.”
Dr Lucy Vivash, from the Monash University’s Department of Neuroscience
Further clinical trials are currently being conducted in several hospitals to further confirm the impact and benefits of this drug.
If you or someone you know is affected by dementia, please contact your local Alzheimer’s Association for more information and resources.