Nasal spray protects neurons and memory in Alzheimer’s mouse model

A nasal spray containing vesicles naturally released by cells may work against Alzheimer's. This is the promise of a study conducted by researchers at the Università Cattolica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, and the E. Menni Research Center of Fondazione Poliambulanza.

The spray is based on extracellular vesicles derived from the amniotic membrane. The study, published in Translational Neurodegeneration, demonstrated that, in an experimental model of Alzheimer’s, it reaches the brain, counteracts neuroinflammation, protects neuronal function and preserves memory. The researchers also obtained positive results in human neurons in vitro.

Researchers demonstrated that these nanovesicles, administered intranasally to an animal model that mimics the clinical picture of Alzheimer’s disease, reach the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory and particularly vulnerable in Alzheimer’s disease.

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