There could be a possible cure.
Researchers have identified a potential cause of anorexia nervosa linked to a deficiency in acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial to the brain’s reward system, according to findings published in the July 7 issue of Nature Communications.
Through studies involving mice, scientists have observed that this deficit in acetylcholine may contribute to the development of compulsive behaviors associated with anorexia, such as severe self-starvation.
Dr. Salah El Mestikawy, senior researcher and professor of psychiatry at McGill University’s Douglas Research Center in Montreal, highlighted that the Alzheimer’s drug donepezil, which enhances acetylcholine levels, effectively reversed anorexia-like behavior in mice. This discovery suggests a promising avenue for a mechanism-based treatment for anorexia nervosa.
El Mestikawy noted encouraging outcomes in initial trials involving 10 severely affected anorexia patients treated with low doses of donepezil. Three patients achieved full remission, while the remaining seven showed significant improvements.
Clinical trials directly comparing donepezil to a placebo in treating anorexia are slated to commence later this year at prominent hospitals in the United States and France. However, El Mestikawy cautioned that regulatory approval and widespread availability of a new anorexia treatment could still be years away.
Despite donepezil’s potential, El Mestikawy acknowledged its side effects, including gastrointestinal and muscle-related issues. Efforts are underway to develop alternative medications that boost acetylcholine levels more efficiently and with fewer complications.
Moreover, researchers are exploring whether similar approaches could benefit other compulsive disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and addictions. El Mestikawy expressed openness to international collaborations to investigate these possibilities further.
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