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New chemical approach to treat Alzheimer's

Scientists at the University of Liverpool and Callaghan Innovation have developed a new chemical approach to harness the natural ability of complex sugars to treat Alzheimer's disease. They produced a library of sugars called heparan sulphates, which can inhibit an enzyme that creates small proteins in the brain causing memory loss.

A molecular chain reaction in Alzheimer's disease

A team of researchers at Lund University has identified the molecular mechanism behind the formation of Alzheimer's disease-causing plaques. The discovery reveals a self-perpetuating and autocatalytic process that creates cell-killing formations, potentially paving the way for new treatments targeting early stages of the disease.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2013

New perspective needed for role of major Alzheimer's gene

Scientists have reevaluated the role of the APOE gene in Alzheimer's disease, finding minimal interaction between APOE and amyloid beta in cerebrospinal fluid. This suggests a need to rethink therapeutic strategies targeting APOE, as current approaches may not be effective.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2013

Use it or lose it

A new study found that prolonged exposure to an enriched environment activates brain receptors, preventing amyloid beta protein from weakening nerve cell communication. This provides a molecular mechanism for why a richer environment can help lessen the memory-eroding effects of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNeuron·DateMar 6, 2013

Green tea extract interferes with the formation of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered that green tea extract can prevent the misfolding of specific proteins in the brain, which is associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study found that a molecule in green tea, EGCG, prevented aggregate formation and broke down existing structures in proteins containing metals.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2013

First guidelines for brain amyloid imaging in Alzheimer's released

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has published the first guidelines for brain amyloid imaging in Alzheimer's disease, providing a framework for healthcare practitioners to determine when to order this test. The guidelines emphasize that amyloid PET imaging should be used judiciously, particularly among elderly indi...

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJan 28, 2013

Scientists establish link between inflammatory process and progression of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have discovered a key link between inflammation and Alzheimer's disease progression. The study suggests that drugs targeting IL-1 beta production may provide benefits for patients with Alzheimer's. The findings point to the possibility of developing new treatments by disrupting the production of this pro-inflammatory cytokine.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature·DateDec 19, 2012

Molecular machinery that pulls protein clumps apart

Researchers have identified a mechanism by which small heat shock proteins collaborate with other molecular chaperones to disassemble amyloid fibers. This activity could lead to the development of therapeutic applications for neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 19, 2012

Lifelong brain-stimulating habits linked to lower Alzheimer's protein levels

A new study reveals that people with no symptoms of Alzheimer's who engaged in cognitively stimulating activities throughout their lives had fewer deposits of beta-amyloid, a destructive protein that is the hallmark of the disease. Lifelong cognitive engagement may affect a primary pathological process in the disease, suggesting potent...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateJan 23, 2012

Falls may be early sign of Alzheimer's

A study found that participants with high levels of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's, had twice the typical annual rate of falls for their age group. This suggests that falls may be an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease in people with preclinical symptoms.

NYU Langone Medical Center's tip sheet to the 2011 Alzheimer's Association International Conference

Researchers from NYU Langone Medical Center presented new research at the 2011 Alzheimer's Association International Conference. The study found that retired NFL players are more likely to experience mild cognitive impairment than expected, suggesting a possible link between repetitive head trauma and late-life cognitive disorders. Add...

Molecules 'light up' Alzheimer's roots

Rice University researchers have created a metallic molecule that becomes strongly photoluminescent when it attaches to amyloid fibrils, which form plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. This breakthrough technique has the potential to improve the design of medications to treat the devastating disease.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 13, 2011

Advances in research into Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that vitamin D injections improved the removal of amyloid beta from the brain of mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for preventing Alzheimer's disease. Transporter proteins at the blood CSF barrier also play a crucial role in removing amyloid beta from the brain.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFluids and Barriers of the CNS·DateJul 8, 2011