Researchers treated mice with a peptide that blocks an enzyme that is typically overactive in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. They found that the treatment dramatically reduced both neurodegeneration and DNA damage in the brain. Additionally, the mice showed an improvement in cognitive abilities.
The peptide works by targeting a mutated protein called P25 that disrupts and exacerbates typical enzyme functions, causing the neurofibrillary tangles that are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. In testing, mice treated with the peptide showed a decrease in enzyme activity while not impeding its normal function, which led to a reduction in DNA damage, neural inflammation, and neuron loss.
This is incredibly important research. Alzheimer's research is of particular interest to me as it runs in my family, so to see such promising results from these trials is incredible. Even though the patients can't be cured, having them be mentally present for as long as possible is so important. If a treatment can slow that cognitive decline, or even improve their symptoms like the results show in this study, then it is invaluable.
Article: A new peptide may hold potential as an Alzheimer’s treatment
Additional Information: New breakthroughs on Alzheimer’s
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