Promising news appears to arrive almost on a daily basis on the subject of finding a cure for Azheimer's disease. A report in the Wall Street Journal 7/23 noted that scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have found a way to dramatically reduce the erosion of memory and learning ability in mice with a version of Alzheimer's.
The mice were genetically engineered to produce more of a gene known as SIRT1, which regulates a class of proteins known as sirtuin one. They retained both more learning ability and memory as they aged than those without the extra SIRT1, and those engineered to produce no SIRT1 showed dramatically declines in both learning ability and memory as they aged.
Not surprisingly, researchers have been calling SIRT1 the "longevity gene" and there have been myriad studies to find out how to turn it on naturally, while other research projects have focused on ways to synthetically introduce it. One research project found red wine might switch it on, while another found a low-calorie diet might due the trick.
The new study is groundbreaking because it finds solid evidence between the longevity gene and stopping deterioration of memory and learning ability. A consultant for GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Dr. Leonard Guarente, told the paper, "This is the first demonstration that the SIRT1 pathway can mitigate Alzheimer's."
I wrote recently about another study being sponsored by Bristol-Myers-Squibb (this one on people) hoping to find a cure for Alzheimer's, and the difficulty drug companies are having getting through the FDA approval process with new drugs to treat this horrible disease.
However, I also talked about how new guidelines which are likely to be introduced next year by a panel of experts engaged by the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association would shine a spotlight on research for a cure as the new definitions will effectively double the number of people struggling with the affliction.
I care for an aging relative with the disease, my father died with the disease, and I come into constant contact with people who have Alzheimer's or dementia in my business Family inHome Caregiving. We provide help to keep seniors in their homes in Aromas, Carmel, Seaside, Marina, Monterey, Moss Landing, Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach so we cover a pretty large area.
It's heart breaking to watch, and that's why I have been beating the pavement looking for donations for the Alzheimer's Association's great work in the fight to find a cure. I am proud to say that (as of today anyways, there are many groups fundraising all across the country) my company has raised the largest amount of funds for the "Memory Walk" in Monterey County.
This event is held here in Monterey on October 16 but occurs across the country and is a very important as funds raised comprise about 20% of the Alzheimer's Association's annual operating budget. Like all non-profits, they are facing tough times. To track ourfundraising efforts go here. We are closing in on $10,000 and hope to surpass it next week. Stay tuned for more news on the numerous efforts to find a cure.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704421304575383341668014752.html
http://familyinhomecaregiving.com/following-the-long-road-in-finding-a-cure-for-alzheimers/
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/14/health/policy/14alzheimer.html?_r=1
http://memorywalk.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=335908
The mice were genetically engineered to produce more of a gene known as SIRT1, which regulates a class of proteins known as sirtuin one. They retained both more learning ability and memory as they aged than those without the extra SIRT1, and those engineered to produce no SIRT1 showed dramatically declines in both learning ability and memory as they aged.
Not surprisingly, researchers have been calling SIRT1 the "longevity gene" and there have been myriad studies to find out how to turn it on naturally, while other research projects have focused on ways to synthetically introduce it. One research project found red wine might switch it on, while another found a low-calorie diet might due the trick.
The new study is groundbreaking because it finds solid evidence between the longevity gene and stopping deterioration of memory and learning ability. A consultant for GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Dr. Leonard Guarente, told the paper, "This is the first demonstration that the SIRT1 pathway can mitigate Alzheimer's."
I wrote recently about another study being sponsored by Bristol-Myers-Squibb (this one on people) hoping to find a cure for Alzheimer's, and the difficulty drug companies are having getting through the FDA approval process with new drugs to treat this horrible disease.
However, I also talked about how new guidelines which are likely to be introduced next year by a panel of experts engaged by the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association would shine a spotlight on research for a cure as the new definitions will effectively double the number of people struggling with the affliction.
I care for an aging relative with the disease, my father died with the disease, and I come into constant contact with people who have Alzheimer's or dementia in my business Family inHome Caregiving. We provide help to keep seniors in their homes in Aromas, Carmel, Seaside, Marina, Monterey, Moss Landing, Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach so we cover a pretty large area.
It's heart breaking to watch, and that's why I have been beating the pavement looking for donations for the Alzheimer's Association's great work in the fight to find a cure. I am proud to say that (as of today anyways, there are many groups fundraising all across the country) my company has raised the largest amount of funds for the "Memory Walk" in Monterey County.
This event is held here in Monterey on October 16 but occurs across the country and is a very important as funds raised comprise about 20% of the Alzheimer's Association's annual operating budget. Like all non-profits, they are facing tough times. To track ourfundraising efforts go here. We are closing in on $10,000 and hope to surpass it next week. Stay tuned for more news on the numerous efforts to find a cure.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704421304575383341668014752.html
http://familyinhomecaregiving.com/following-the-long-road-in-finding-a-cure-for-alzheimers/
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/14/health/policy/14alzheimer.html?_r=1
http://memorywalk.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=335908