Reporter: “Please explain how Enbrel works to reverse the impairments caused by Alzheimer’s and dementia.”
Dr. Meylin Acuna: “Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a cytokine produced by monocyte and macrophage white blood cells, which acts as the master regulator of the human inflammatory response. Excess TNF-alpha in the brain can disrupt synaptic communication. Excess TNF-alpha triggers a cycle whereby toxic amyloid-beta is produced. This results in greater levels of pro-inflammatory TNF-alpha. Etanercept (Enbrel) is a fusion of two proteins naturally occurring in the human body that was developed to treat various inflammatory diseases by binding to TNF-alpha, effectively neutralizing its ability to act on cell membranes. Enbrel treatment has a rapid effect, reversing cognitive impairment, and validating the role excess TNF-alpha has in the Alzheimer’s disease process. Enbrel’s long half-life (70 to 132 hours) enables a series of treatments to produce sequential progressive improvements in cognitive function that can be maintained long term. The standard method for delivering CNS-active medication to the brain is via the blood. Etanercept, a large protein molecule, is unable to cross the blood brain barrier. A subcutaneous perispinal injection to the fatty tissues at the back of the neck enables etanercept to enter the brain by lymph and venous drainage assisted by gravity.”
Reporter: “Many people are taking prescription drugs for a variety of conditions. Have any adverse drug interactions been reported with Enbrel?”
Dr. Meylin Acuna: “Except for Anakinra (Kineret), which is for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, there have been no reports of adverse drug interactions with Enbrel. Persons with certain medical conditions should not take Enbrel. For more information pertaining to disqualifying medical conditions, please visit our website,
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