Breakthrough in Alzheimer Treatments

In a new post written by ALZinfo.org, The Alzheimer’s Information Site on March 24, 2011; information was released on breakthrough new Alzheimer treatments that have made it possible to prevent the accumulation of  beta-amyloid in nerve cells in the brain. The other study they discuss involves stimulating the breakdown down of existing beta-amyloid in the brain. This is a major discovery in treating Alzheimer’s disease and they claim that it does not harm the body.

Here is the article:

Two current discoveries by researchers at the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Research laboratory under the direction of Nobel laureate Dr. Paul Greengard have now made it possible to prevent accumulation of beta-amyloid in nerve cells and in the brain. One involves inhibiting the formation of beta-amyloid. The second discovery involves stimulating the breakdown of beta-amyloid. According to Dr. Greengard, “the combination of inhibition of formation and acceleration of breakdown of beta-amyloid represents a new and powerful strategy for treating Alzheimer’s disease.”

In the first project, Dr. Greengard and researchers in his laboratory identified gamma-secretase activating protein (gSAP), and showed that it stimulates an enzyme called gamma secretase that is responsible for producing beta-amyloid. This discovery was published in the September 2 issue of the journal Nature. The process of inhibiting gSAP did not prove toxic to the cells in models of Alzheimer’s disease, a factor that has plagued many other experimental treatments that inhibit beta-amyloid. This discovery therefore opens a new door for research into highly specific anti-amyloid drugs that do not harm the body.

In the more recent study, published in the March 7, 2011 issue of the Journal of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), they succeeded in accelerating the breakdown of beta-amyloid. They discovered that a process called autophagy reduces the buildup of beta-amyloid in isolated cells and might be utilized to eliminate the buildup of beta-amyloid in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Autophagy is a process cells use to “clean out” the debris from their interiors, including unwanted materials such as the protein aggregates that are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. The scientists discovered that a compound called SMER28 lowers the level of beta-amyloid found in nerve cells. This occurs because SMER28 stimulates autophagy, which then rids the cell of beta-amyloid.

“Our work demonstrates that small molecules can be developed as therapies, by activating autophagy, to prevent Alzheimer’s disease,” says Marc Flajolet, a research assistant professor in Greengard’s lab. “By increasing our understanding of autophagy, it may be possible to stimulate it, pharmacologically or naturally, to improve the quality of life for aging people.”

By ALZinfo.org, The Alzheimer’s Information Site. Reviewed by William J. Netzer, Ph.D., Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Research at The Rockefeller University.

This is exciting news for the medical industry and anyone suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. Continuous support for organizations like the Fischer Center For Alzheimer Research and others working towards cures and advanced Alzheimer treatments will surely allow for positive future expectations in defeating this disease.

Taking into consideration one of the reasons “BRAINTECH 1.0″ was created was to help individuals with focus, we feel it our responsibility to assist with awareness of mental illness and how everyone can help. Check out ALZinfo.org and make a donation to take part in the battle against Alzheimer Disease and promote new Alzheimer Treatments.