Could you imagine not remembering your brother or sisters name? When you get older your own kids? Being in a nursing home and having a visitor but not knowing who they are?Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a neurodegenerative disease which impairs thinking, behaviour and memory (Alzheimer's Association, 2009). The warning signs of Alzheimer’s can be passed as old age. It affects those over 65. In Alzheimer’s, the brain cells slowly break down and dies. Abnormal masses of protein surround the neurons and dying nerves tangle, inhibiting messages to pass through. All communication can be lost.
There are some drugs out there which help with the cognitive functions. But the main support has purely been social; nursing homes and help lines. May 7 2009 it was revealed that US scientists have successfully ‘reversed’ the effects of Alzheimer's with experimental drugs inhibiting the gene expression (Diligent Media, 2009). The drug targets the gene that effects brain memory formation. The study found that the drug helped restore long-term memory loss and increase learning capability.
Scientists are finding more and more genes that a related to Alzheimer’s, in particular HDAC2 and from that HDAC inhibitors can be used to “reverse” the effects. Professor Li-Huei Tsai says “Inhibiting HDAC2 has the potential to boost synaptic plasticity, synapse formation and memory formation”. The only problem is it is a glint of hope. In the next ten years or so, treatment can begin on humans because they need a better understanding of it. At least they have the support of friends and family.
Reference:
-BBC (2009) Trial drugs 'reverse' Alzheimer's- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8033422.st
-Alzheimer’s association (2009) What is Alzheimer’s- http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp
-More info see: http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?infopageid=439#howd
-Image: http://www.medicalhealthadvice.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/dementia.jpg (photo enhancement)
-BBC (2009) Trial drugs 'reverse' Alzheimer's- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8033422.st
-Alzheimer’s association (2009) What is Alzheimer’s- http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp
-More info see: http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?infopageid=439#howd
-Image: http://www.medicalhealthadvice.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/dementia.jpg (photo enhancement)
