Dr. Susan Abushakra

People who inherit two copies of a gene called ApoE4 face at least 10 times the average risk for Alzheimer's.

But Dr. Susan Abushakra of the biotech firm Alzeon says existing treatments often cause dangerous side effects in these people.

So Alzeon has been testing a drug that appears to be safer but has yet to prove its effectiveness.

In a study of 325 people with two copies of the ApoE4 gene, the drug failed to help people with more severe symptoms of Alzheimer's.

But in people with milder symptoms, the drug helped preserve memory and thinking and dramatically reduced brain atrophy.

John Hamilton, NPR News.

People who inherit two copies of a gene called ApoE4 face at least 10 times the average risk for Alzheimer's.

But Dr. Susan Abushakra of the biotech firm Alzeon says existing treatments often cause dangerous side effects in these people.

So Alzeon has been testing a drug that appears to be safer but has yet to prove its effectiveness.

In a study of 325 people with two copies of the ApoE4 gene, the drug failed to help people with more severe symptoms of Alzheimer's.

But in people with milder symptoms, the drug helped preserve memory and thinking and dramatically reduced brain atrophy.

John Hamilton, NPR News.