Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. It is challenging to study because its onset can range from different ages. The majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older, but younger-onset can appear in someone who is in their 40s or 50s. Since there is no cure for this disease, scientists have been focused on better ways to treat and manage Alzheimer's progression. The researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have been focusing their studies towards tau protein, which is involved in stabilizing microtubules and acts as a brain cell's transportation system for carrying nutrients in and waste out. Without this protein, neuron cells will die off. Studies have shown that in many forms of Alzheimer's the tau protein begins to display irregular cell functioning. This dysfunctional behavior results in the accumulation of the protein which results in a toxic formation of tau oligomers. Researchers found in studies using rats with tau related dementia that by removing these tau oligomers with a tau oligomer-specific monoclonal antibody (TOMA), they could improve functioning and performance on tests. It does this by sticking to the oligomeric tau but leaves the tau protein intact. This could provide a way to vaccinate against this degenerative disease, by prohibiting the spreading of tau oligomers.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Slowing Down Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. It is challenging to study because its onset can range from different ages. The majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older, but younger-onset can appear in someone who is in their 40s or 50s. Since there is no cure for this disease, scientists have been focused on better ways to treat and manage Alzheimer's progression. The researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have been focusing their studies towards tau protein, which is involved in stabilizing microtubules and acts as a brain cell's transportation system for carrying nutrients in and waste out. Without this protein, neuron cells will die off. Studies have shown that in many forms of Alzheimer's the tau protein begins to display irregular cell functioning. This dysfunctional behavior results in the accumulation of the protein which results in a toxic formation of tau oligomers. Researchers found in studies using rats with tau related dementia that by removing these tau oligomers with a tau oligomer-specific monoclonal antibody (TOMA), they could improve functioning and performance on tests. It does this by sticking to the oligomeric tau but leaves the tau protein intact. This could provide a way to vaccinate against this degenerative disease, by prohibiting the spreading of tau oligomers.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
many people in my family have had alzheimer's. it is a very scary disease and it is scary to think that I could one day have it. a possible vaccination would be a great thing to protect against this awful disease.
ReplyDeleteI believe this protein is very huge considering the amount of people affected with this disease, i personally have had a few family members who had this disease but didn't survive. This protein could not help people but prevent some early deaths or keep people healthier longer.
ReplyDelete