2 new drugs being studied at Wash U study could help Alzheimer's patients

ST. LOUIS - Alzheimer's is a disease that robs patients of their memories, personality and independence. Now, there's a groundbreaking international study taking place right here in St. Louis that might prevent it.

It’s called the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Network trial by Washington University. Participants have a rare gene that can lead to what doctors call Early Onset Familial Alzheimer's disease, which means people can develop it younger than 65.

Early onset familial Alzheimer disease is hereditary and marked by Alzheimer symptoms that appear at an unusually early age. The study tests the idea of how to prevent the disease from starting in the first place.

Carrie Richardson Whitfield, 35, lost her father and three uncles to Early Onset Alzheimer’s, the oldest living to just 45. The mother of three carries the gene for the disease of which her 36-year-old brother is already showing signs.

To read the full article, click HERE

Written by Christina Coleman, KSDK

(Credit: http://www.ksdk.com)