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."
It holds great promise if the eventual pitfalls of any research like this can be overcome.
It is this amyloid protein that the Folding@home members are working to discover the 3-D structure and the binding sites and energies required. It is a step that will occur long before trials are ever approved.
Please visit the current Folding@home thread and join us with a computer (or two)!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1869383/posts
Babelfish?
Good news in the research arena, worthy of a Folding ping.
This research is still several years away from providing concrete assistance, but it is a terrific step in the right direction.
Also, here is a thread posted by blam that discusses a possible role for tumeric in clearing out the amyliod peptides:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1867488/posts
Scientists Isolate Chemical In Curry That May Help Immune System Clear Plaques Found In Alzheimer’s
Good news in the research arena, worthy of a Folding ping.
This research is still several years away from providing concrete assistance, but it is a terrific step in the right direction.
Also, here is a thread posted by blam that discusses a possible role for tumeric in clearing out the amyliod peptides:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1867488/posts
Scientists Isolate Chemical In Curry That May Help Immune System Clear Plaques Found In Alzheimer’s
This must be a mistake. I thought the only cures would be from Embrionic Stem Cells.
Praying for the day. Sadly it is too late for my Mother who is not expected to last another year according to her Doctor. But a cure could help us her family who stand a higher rick of developing the same.
It does make good copy for grant writers and PR people.
We know that the amyloid peptide is responsible for over 40% of Alzheimer’s Disease, and is found in all brains.
Now to understand the dynamics of the disease and a cure.
It can NOT come too fast.
Great encouraging news.
Really. If they could work the destruction of human embryos or maybe human cloning into the test protocols, they would get a lot more funding from the Democrats...
I love these threads about Alzheimer’s, but I can never remember what the treatments are. I hope they get a cure to market soon. Another day, another million brain cells gone.
Your point is correct about the stem cells and being PC, but over on another thread researchers are trying to use the “innate immune system” present in infants to affect a cure for Alzheimer’s.
I need to read the background documentation, but it seems promising.
See here:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1867488/posts
Hey Tex, do you know if research institutions are working together on this? Sharing research and doing experiments together? If not, they should be as it will add more bright minds to the pool of ideas.
I offer my prayers for your mother and you and your family.
I understand what you’re going through. My mother-in-law has Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. She is declining quite rapidly and it’s devastating to the family.
Thanks to all working on the Folding project to help find a cure for this horrible disease.
Please feel free to donate a computer or two to the Folding@home project. About 200 active FReepers have used their computers to help the basic research into misfolded proteins.
You can find more information over here, and it really does help!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1869383/posts
I try to post a new thread every couple of weeks to keep us abreast of new developments.
BTTT
Yes, these researchers get together often to present papers to each other. There is a lot of work that goes into a true peer-reviewed paper, which should not be confused with a press release.
Most researchers will work together, and sometimes can have a great leap forward for others work. The Folding@home project at Stanford University has contributors from around the globe.
That said, there can be a lot of competition between researchers fighting for grants, and no one likes it, but that is human nature.
Fighting for the spotlight is human nature, but this is about finding a cure for a deadly disease and saving lives. It shouldn’t be completely about who has the best research first.
My computer’s churning out work for Folding@home.
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