Alzeheimer's Beaten?

The Turning Point in the Battle to Beat Alzheimer’s

       Scientists have acclaimed the discovery of a drug-like compound that acts in preventing brain cell death in mice for the first time.  It works by blocking a faulty signal in brains affected by various neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons.  In debilitating brain diseases, the production of new, essential proteins is inhibited by an accumulation of amyloids (misfolded proteins). Such build-up of amyloids triggers the ‘over-activation’ of a defence mechanism which is essentially activated by an enzyme known as PERK, and ultimately stops the synthesis of proteins. Without the presence of proteins, the cells are unable to function and thus eventually die – leading to the symptoms of diseases such as Alzheimer’s.  The compound itself works by preventing PERK, and therefore allows for the restoration and continuation of production of proteins.

     

         The compound was tested on mice with prion’s disease, and it successfully ‘stopped the disease in its tracks’, reinstating some normal behaviours and preventing memory loss. However the compound also caused significant side effects such as weight loss and diabetes, which would be a serious concern for the elderly population who would most likely benefit from this treatment. Although Professor Malucci argued that it would ‘not be impossible’ to develop a drug that protected the brain without said side effects. The huge benefit of such a compound is that it can be given orally, and directs itself into the brain to prevent the disease, meaning it has great potential to be turned into an accessible medicine.

   

        For those who question the viability of whether the compound will translate into other mammalian brains, the professors argue that it hopefully will, as prion disease is the best animal equivalent of human neurodegenerative disorders. On the other hand, although the breakthrough was met with excitement by scientists, they said whilst ‘it is not a guarantee of an Alzheimer’s cure in the near future; it remains a significant proof of principle'. Other critics weren't as convinced and contended that ‘many a new treatment has fallen by the wayside making the leap between mice and man’. 

References:

i - 'Scienticts Hail 'Historic' Alzheimer's Discovery'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unfolded_protein_response