Herb For Alzheimer's Disease

Lisa Malak
Reporting

(CBS News) NEW YORK, NY Alzheimer's Is A Devastating Disease.. That Steals Away Memories.

But As C-B-S's Doctor Mallika Marshall Reports.. Doctor's Are Now Experimenting With A Chinese Herb.. Hoping It Can Slow Down The Memory Loss.

New York, NY
When You Hear Melvin Zuckerman Recall Events From The Past.

"I Moved Away From That House In 1938."

You Would Never Suspect He Has Alzheimeræs Disease.

That Changes When The Doctor Gives Him Three Things To Remember.

"Chair, Apple, Penny - (Melvin) Chair, Apple, Penny. (Doc) And Keep Them In Mind."

Just 45 Seconds Later..

"(Doc) Do You Remember Those Three Words I Mentioned To You Before (Melvin) Nope. (Doc) Any Hint Of Them (Melvin) Nope."

Dr. Mallika Marshall/CBS News
"How Does This Happen? Well When New Memories Travel Through Our Brain Theyære Led By A Chemical Called Acetylcholine. Alzheimeræs Detiorates The Production Of Acetylcholine... In Effect Stealing Memories."

But Researchers Are Hoping This Experimental Drug.... Derived From A Natural Chinese Herb.... Can Change That. It's Called Huperzine A.

Doctor Hillel Grossman Says It Works Similar To Drugs Currently On The Market That Boost Acetylcholine.

He's Testing It On Patients Like Melvin To See If It Works Better.
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Dr. Hillel Grossman/Mt. Sinai School Of Med.
"If You Can Prop Up The Amount Of The Acetylcholine That Is There, That's Available, Flowing Through The Neurons Than Memory Can Be Sustained."

Melvin Just Started The Drug.

He Realizes It Won't Stop Alzheimer's But Hopes It Will Help Him Hold On To His Memories A Little Longer.

Doctor Mallika Marshall, CBS News.