A proposed preventive role for Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (Xyrem(R)) in Alzheimer's disease.

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB or Xyrem(R)) is frequently used in humans for several clinical indications, including anesthesia, narcolepsy/cataplexy, and alcohol-withdrawal symptoms. Pharmacological effects induced in the brain by therapeutic doses of Xyrem(R) are generally GABAergic-dependent. These effects allow sedation, stress/anxiety reduction, deep sleep induction, decrease of neuroinflammation, and neuroprotection. Furthermore, Xyrem(R) promotes the expression of pivotal genes reducing toxic proteinopathies, as demonstrated in laboratory animal models. Altogether, these data represent additional evidence to suggest that Xyrem(R) may be tested during repeated short periods in populations at risk for Alzheimer's disease.