Experimental Alzheimer's Drug Sho...(d with future study plans for its drug. ...),Health

The original study -- funded by the San Francisco-based Medivation Inc. -- had been conducted in Russia, under American guidance and supervision.

The authors of that effort first released preliminary findings last June on the safety and effectiveness of the experimental drug among 183 mild to moderate Alzheimer's patients.

At the time, the researchers concluded that Dimebon helped boost patient memory and clinical function, while also improving the ability to think and engage in daily activities -- without prompting major side effects.

They noted that the new drug packed the symptom-fighting punch, in effect, of both an anticholinesterase drug (such as Aricept) and another class of medications known as glutamate antagonists. As well, the authors claimed that Dimebon also protected brain cells from Alzheimer-causing amyloid build-up, thereby defending against disease progression itself.

Ferris said that Thursday's presentation is essentially a "secondary look" at these initial conclusions.

The first finding is based on a number-crunching of cognition tests run at the 12-, 26-, 39- and 52-week study marks. The analysis revealed sweeping improvements in terms of memory (such as word recall, recognition, and instruction recollection); orientation; the ability to perform complex activities; and language comprehension.

The second finding -- based on the same tests -- observed that patients taking Dimebon were better able to take care of themselves in basic ways, such as being able to eat and prepare a meal, use the toilet, use the phone, read, use appliances, keep appointments, and hold a conversation.

As a result, the study authors said that caregivers saved 51 minutes a day on average in the time they spent caring for an Alzheimer's patient.

"What's new here is that we're looking in a more specific way at the
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