Alzheimer's Drug May Prevent Brain Damage in Preemies [News]

Monday, June 30, 2008 - 16:07 in Health & Medicine

Researchers have discovered that a drug marketed to slow the progression of memory loss in Alzheimer's disease may also prevent brain damage in as many as 35 percent of premature infants.Scientists at Children's Hospital Boston in a study published in The Journal of Neuroscience say they used memantine (brand name Namenda) to stop strokes—that would result in learning difficulties, behavioral problems and faulty motor function—in rats. The researchers hope to receive permission sometime in the next five years to test their new treatment in premature babies who suffer strokes. [More]

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