Researchers from the University of Arizona may have discovered a treatment to reduce the risk of dementia after a patient suffers a stroke.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found the key might be Cyclodextrin, an FDA approved ingredient in some drugs.
Researchers say cyclodextrin has chemical properties to gather and store cholesterol without worsening inflammation.
After strokes, inflammation can last for months due to the higher amount of cholesterol in brain tissue, which is hard for immune cells to remove. This leads to more immune cells showing up to break it down, potentially causing other damage.
The study showed cyclodextrin resulted in a decrease in cholesterol buildup and less inflammation in the brains of animal models. It also showed protection for memory and reduced impulsivity, which can occur in stroke patients.
