Posted on 07/23/2007 8:06:03 AM PDT by texas booster
Scientists have moved a step closer to finding a cure for Alzheimer's, it has been revealed.
Biologists have developed a compound which has successfully prevented the disease killing brain cells, improving memory and learning ability that was already damaged.
The researchers at the University of St Andrews, working with scientists in the US, have developed man-made compounds capable of blocking a nerve cell interaction known to lead to the symptoms of the disease.
The results of the study - carried out in the laboratory using a model of the disease - have prompted the Alzheimer's Research Trust to help fund a further three years research.
Trust chief executive Rebecca Wood described the findings as "exciting".
"A drug that can stop Alzheimer's disease from killing brain cells is a holy grail for researchers working to overcome the devastating condition which affects more than 500,000 people in the UK," she said.
The number of sufferers is expected to double to more than one million with the general ageing of the population over the next generation.
Alzheimer's is linked to the build-up of amyloid protein, which eventually forms "senile plaques". The amyloid protein inflicts damage by interacting with an enzyme called Amyloid Beta Alcohol Dehydrogenase (ABAD) and releasing toxic substances which kill brain cells.
Researchers at St Andrews initially focused on developing the three-dimensional shape of ABAD and understanding how amyloid attaches itself to the structure.
Dr Frank Gunn-Moore, senior lecturer at the university's school of biology, said: "Alzheimer's sufferers produce too much amyloid and ABAD in their brains. "Based on our knowledge of ABAD, we produced an inhibitor that can prevent amyloid attaching to it in a living model."
Dr Gunn-Moore, who led the research, added: "We have shown that it is possible to reverse some of the signs associated with Alzheimer's disease.
"The work is now being continued to try and refine the inhibitor into a potential drug. Our research holds a possible key for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in its early stages."
Spoken like a true saint.
Thanks for the Folding.
Based upon the current FDA approval process, it might be ready in time.
If you are young.
How awful for your mom and you, NavyCanDo. :(
My mother-in-law is 75 and still at home, for now. It’s reaching the point where my father-in-law can’t take care of her needs very well. She thinks he’s her brother or some guy who happens to live in the house. She still recognizes my husband is her son, but calls him a different name. None of us can quite figure that one out. She’s also extremely frail, can barely walk or lift a fork to feed herself.
My husband and his siblings make it a point that at least one of us visits them everyday. I think the need for a care facility is not too far down the road.
Remember this one: Bapineuzumab.
Revive Reagan!
Man would I like to revive Reagan.
If we could have postponed his Alzheimers for 10 or 20 years, then he would still be strong. His body was strong, but his brain just poisoned itself on prions.
That’s why we named teh team after Reagan.
And to tweak the DUmmies a bit.
Already has its own Wiki entry.
Them marketing types sure are fast!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bapineuzumab
If my Alzheimers goes away, I’ll remember what my tingley-winky is for again.
Dr. Frank Lee Moore-Gunz.
How did you get your own teletubbie?
Bump to those of you who MIGHT be considering join us. If you need ANY help in setting up your computer to “fold” please ask.
http://folding.extremeoverclocking.com/team_summary.php?s=&t=36120
My father just passed away on June 21st after having it for almost 7 years. Be patient with them. Understand that they have no control of this disease and that family will soon become total strangers. Spend as much time with them as you can now, and find out about as much of their lives that they can still remember and record it. It will pay off in the long run believe me. God Bless both of you and your families!
Thanks for the kind advice and wise words.
Sincere condolences on the passing of your father. God bless you and your family as well, during this difficult time, and always.
.
bump
Different disease. Not caused by prions.
Very correct. Prions are implicated in CJD (Mad Cow Disease) and other slow brain wasting diseases.
Folding@home has published papers and assisted in research looking into the mechanics of prions as they affect the brain. There is a similar folding mechanism that may be exploitable to block CJD.
Good catch.
It is my understanding that Kreutzfeld-Jacob (Creutzfeld?) disease has not been definitively linked to mad cow disease, despite both being caused by prions. I.e., the latter doesn’t necessarily cause the former (restated: eating infected cows might not result in the similar human disease—it might be something else). I might be mistaken on this however—it has been a few years since biochem and neuroscience.
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