Alzheimer's breakthrough: Cancer drug wakes up sleepy brain cells in mice and human brain cells

When the scientists blocked IDO1 with an inhibitor in mice and human cells, the brain's ability to use glucose improved significantly. This led to better memory and cognitive function in the mice.

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The brains of people who have Alzheimer's can't use glucose effectively. That's because a natural enzyme in the body called indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) becomes overactive and disrupts how the brain uses glucose.

A study published in Science found IDO1 is harmful to cells called astrocytes, which are essential for supporting …