New natural neuroprotective molecules to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease

Project objectives

Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents the leading cause of dementia worldwide for which there are no drugs that modify the course of the disease other than those that counteract its symptoms. The pathology manifests itself biologically years earlier than the symptoms, therefore the discovery of biological markers is necessary to predict its course. Clinically, a phase is identified, called MCI, in which slight memory defects appear which we do not know if they will evolve into AD and for which there are no drugs. A small portion of the brain (VTA) has been found to degenerate in AD patients during MCI. In this project we evaluate whether the natural molecules, pCur and CoV1 have a protective action on this brain area in the corresponding MCI phase of a mouse model of AD. These molecules, in the future, could become food supplements and therefore also advisable for an MCI subject, even though they are still considered healthy.

Start and end date

July 2021 - January 2024

Project Manager

Prof. Marcello D'Amelio, Coordinator

Coordinating institution of the project

EBRI Foundation - Rita Levi-Montalcini

Other Institutions involved

Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma

Funding source

Lazio region

Economic value of the project

€ 150.000