AN Australian first skin patch to treat Alzheimer’s disease developed by an Austin Hospital researcher is now available to the public.
The Exelon Patch, the first and only patch to treat mild to moderate forms of the disease, became subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from July 1. The patch was developed by Associate Professor Michael Woodward, Head of Aged Care at Austin Health, based at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, where trials of the patch also took place.
There are at least 2000 people with Alzheimer’s disease in Banyule.
Prof Woodward said the patch gave smooth and continuous medication through the skin over 24 hours to treat the disease’s symptoms. “Exelon Patch is the first major advancement in Alzheimer’s disease for many years, offering people an alternative to current oral medications,” Dr Woodward said.
Details: Medical and Cognitive Research Unit at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital on 9496 2181.
For more information on the patch visit www. novartis. com.au.
Related articles
- Alzheimer’s disease breakthrough also a win for collaboration (Morning Read) (medcitynews.com)
- A test for Alzheimer’s disease – but will anyone want to take it? (independent.co.uk)
- Staying Sharp: Can You Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease? (time.com)
- Indications of Alzheimer’s disease may be evident decades before first signs of cognitive impairment (neurosciencenews.com)
- Blood Marker Suggests Severity of Alzheimer’s Disease (nlm.nih.gov)
- 4 new genes identified for Alzheimer’s disease risk (eurekalert.org)
