dementia Archives

Curing the incurable: RNA isoforms may hold the key to defeating Alzheimer’s disease

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Alzheimer’s disease causes excessive neuronal cell death.

Groundbreaking research on RNA isoforms in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has revealed another layer of genetic complexity that has been previously overlooked. Using cutting-edge sequencing technology, Dr. Mark Ebbert and colleagues at the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging at the University of Kentucky, USA, performed a detailed analysis of RNA isoforms in the human brain. They discovered multiple, previously unknown RNA isoforms […]

How oxidative stress contributes to neurodegenerative diseases

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Hyslop and Chaney use biochemical and computer molecular modelling to probe interaction between H2O2 and GAPDH to identify new molecular targets for treating neurodegeneration and neurodegenerative diseases.

The human brain relies on a constant energy supply that when compromised, neurodegenerative disease ensues, initially disrupting nerve cell communication followed by nerve cell death. Paul Hyslop and Michael Chaney investigate fundamental mechanisms driving neurodegenerative disease, to identify therapeutic interventions. They focus on how an enzyme integral to energy supply to nerve cells, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) – is inhibited and […]

Loneliness and social isolation: How can we protect our mental health and cognitive functions?

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How can we protect our mental health and cognitive functions? Dr Jing Liang and her team study social isolation in mice and DHM treatments.

It is well known that social isolation can cause poor mental and physical health. Our recent global experience of compulsory social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic has created a need to find new ways to prevent its devastating consequences, such as anxiety-induced cognitive decline, from manifesting. Dr Jing Liang and her team at the University of Southern California’s Mann School […]

Race against dementia: Join the drive to eradicate the disease

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Dementia is the umbrella term for a wide range of conditions that affect the brain and cause symptoms such as memory loss, cognitive impairment, and impaired decision-making. More than 55 million people live with dementia globally; the most common form is Alzheimer’s disease. Currently, there is no cure – only treatment to slow the progression of symptoms. A charity founded […]

How Spiritual Fitness prevents Alzheimer’s disease

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Spiritual Fitness (SF) is a new concept in medicine that combines multiple aspects of religious involvement, psychological wellbeing, and spiritual evolution. Research now reveals that development of SF helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease (AD). As shown by Dharma Singh Khalsa, MD, President and Medical Director of the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation, Kirtan Kriya, a safe, 12-minute-a-day meditation practice, facilitates that […]

Brain Awareness Week 2022

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March 14 marks the start of Brain Awareness Week! Spearheaded by the Dana Foundation, the importance of brain research is catapulted onto the global platform between 14th–20th March 2022 – and cerebral successes in the field are celebrated. Research into the brain is vital for saving lives, increasing quality of life and explaining how ‘the little grey cells’ control our […]

New independent research clarifies risks associated with different MHT (HRT) treatments

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Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is used to ease severe symptoms associated with the menopause and can be administered in tablet, patch, gel, or implant form. However, previous research has suggested treatments may have serious side effects, including increased risks of developing blood clots, breast cancer, and dementia. Dr Yana Vinogradova of Nottingham University Medical School, UK, supported by UK researchers […]

The trials and tribulations in the drug discovery cycle: A particular case for Alzheimer’s disease

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As people live longer lives, the spectre of Alzheimer’s disease will only grow. Scientists now know that the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides are important for treating Alzheimer’s, particularly Aβ42 which aggregates into the amyloid plaques that trigger the disease. Researchers have been looking to target γ-secretase – the enzyme that creates pathogenic Aβ42 affecting the relative abundance of short Aβ […]

Human Leukocyte Antigens: The missing link in Alzheimer’s disease etiology

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Viral infections such as the herpes virus have been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease risk.

Alzheimer’s disease is a huge socioeconomic burden in developed countries. Recently, viral infections such as the herpes virus have been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease risk. However, it is unclear what the link between the two is. Professor Lisa M. James of the University of Minnesota, in collaboration with Dr Apostolos Georgopoulos and Dr Spyros Charonis, has utilised computational biology to […]

Mutant protein in Siamese cats may be involved in neurodegenerative disorders

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Dr Niesman studies mutant tyrosinase in feline brain cells.

Siamese cats and humans share the same pathology when it comes to neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Dr Ingrid Niesman, based at San Diego State University, USA, believes it’s all down to a mutation in a protein called tyrosinase. The researcher wants to understand the impact of this malfunctioning protein, as well as use these cats as a basis […]