Scientists Propose a Novel Approach to Treating Alzheimer’s
After identifying the molecules that have the ability to prevent the accumulation of beta-amyloid and tau – two proteins in the brain that when combined, result in Alzheimer’s, scientists from Dalhousie University came up with a novel approach to treating a devastating disease that effects millions of people world wide.
The human brain is a complex structure that contains thousands of molecules. Some of these molecules, when combined with the others, create new compounds that stimulate brain damage, and consequently lead to mental disorders. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is among the many types of mental illnesses that are characterised by the loss of neurons and death of healthy brain cells. During the course of the disease, the brain becomes deficient in essential chemicals involved in the transmission of signals or messages to and from the brain. As a consequence, people with Alzheimer’s develop problems with their memory and reasoning, which are severe enough to impede their simple daily routines. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are roughly 18 million people in the world who have Alzheimer’s. This could reach 34 million by 2025, with the highest increase expected among developing countries.
Researchers found key molecule against Alzheimer’s
Through a computer-aided drug design, the Dalhousie researchers explored how the human body attempts to guard itself from Alzheimer’s. Because of the huge number of molecules, it was not possible to conduct a full ’in silico’ screening. Focusing their search on the amino acid metabolites, the team discovered the molecule tryptophan, which according to them, is a potential therapeutic for AD.
"We are extremely excited about the results presented in this paper and believe that this may represent a new approach to the treatment of AD.", said Dr Weaver, a professor at Dalhousie University. He was also a clinical neurologist at Capital Health and IWK Health Centre, Canada Research Chair in Clinical Neuroscience, and the DMRF Irene MacDonald Sobey Chair in Curative Approaches to Alzheimer’s Disease.
The researchers believe that their findings could be used as basis for the development of a new drug, that will combat the cause of the disease itself and not just manage or alleviate the symptoms. If their scientific endeavour on this new therapeutic approach is successful, this would mean people can grow old without having to worry about forgetting things, especially their loved ones.
Do you think this new approach would effect your family?
Sources of this article:
Looking for the anti-Alzheimer’s molecule -- a new approach to treating a devastating disease
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