Researchers at the University of Galway have identified a potential new target for Alzheimer's disease therapy, focusing on inhibitory signaling in the brain, according to a study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine on April 22, 2026. The finding challenges current approaches that primarily target excitatory signaling.
The team, led by Dr. Andrew Harkin, found that enhancing GABAergic inhibition in a mouse model of Alzheimer's improved cognitive function. Specifically, they used a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA-A receptor, which reduced neuronal hyperactivity and restored memory deficits.
βThis is a paradigm shift in how we think about Alzheimer's treatment,β said Dr. Harkin in a university press release. βInstead of just boosting excitation, we may need to restore the balance between excitation and inhibition.β The study was funded by the Irish Research Council and the Health Research Board.
Experts caution that the findings are preliminary and have not yet been tested in human clinical trials. However, the approach offers a new avenue for drug development, potentially repurposing existing GABAergic drugs for Alzheimer's.
