Discovery 'could hold key to Alzheimer's treatment'

[theHandpuppet]

Source: BBC News

The discovery of the first chemical to prevent the death of brain tissue in a neurodegenerative disease has been hailed as an exciting and historic moment in medical research.

More work is needed to develop a drug that could be taken by patients.

But scientists say a resulting medicine could treat Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's and other diseases.

The University of Leicester discovery showed all brain cell death from prion disease in mice could be prevented....


Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24462699

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Very interesting, lengthy article.

Much good luck to all of the researchers involved. To think of the untold millions (and their families) who might be helped with a breakthrough of this kind!

[Laura PourMeADrink]

1. As a daughter with a dad with Alzheimers - Please hurry

[texanwitch]

2. I am with you.

This would be a blessing for so many people.

[Mojorabbit]

4. .

[Rozlee]

6. My husband was diagnosed 8 months ago.

We've tried everything on him from Aricept to Exelon and they just tear his stomach up and Exelon actually had a paradoxical effect and made him more confused. He's gotten noticeably worse since he took it.

[flamingdem]

7. Is there a support group for Alzheimers on DU?

Maybe we need one?

[Rozlee]

8. It looks like our supports groups are for

Bereavement, natural disaster survivors and divorce and separation support. It would be nice to have a discussion group going though.

[tweeternik]

10. It would definitely be a great idea ....

much informative information on DU. I'm sure families impacted by this devastating disease would grateful. Hopeful this research is a turning point in the battle.

[tweeternik]

11. Has he tried Namenda?

[wordpix]

14. did not help my mother---for those needing support group, go to alz.org

Alzheimer's discussion board there at Alz. Association. Not saying we don't need it here but alz.org already is a going concern there.

[Rozlee]

19. Yeah. His poor stomach couldn't tolerate it either.

He just has a very profound negative reaction to the cholinesterase inhibitors and the memantine that the current drugs are based on. Plus, that side effect of causing increased confusion. Many patients can't handle it and so many of the reviews that I've read from caregivers that have patients or loved ones on them is negative. But, then, it's mostly people who are unsatisfied that tend to write reviews.

[7962]

3. A small company named Navidea is working on an early detector too

I heard of it through Astrazenica (sp?). Its supposed to be able to detect the early stage signs before you know you have it. That would be good to know if this chemical comes to fruition; maybe stop it in its tracks before it becomes debilitating? I dont understand the specifics, but you can read it on their website. Thats where I went.

[wordpix]

17. all the co's are working on it BUT

it's tricky. The brain is not working due to the "swiss cheese" effect (see images online) and a drug to work on such a brain is not easy to find. My mom has been on Aricept, Namenda, Risperidone, Ativan, Haldol and various anti-depressants at different times and in varying doses and combinations. The trick is keeping her calm so she's not completely confused, hallucinating, crying and yelling while also keeping her alert and awake. Not easy to find the right med or med cocktail for that so I'm completely skeptical of any company saying they've got a cure or even anything close to it.

And with this Congress cutting funds for drug r&d and furloughing research scientists, the whole situation is bleak.

[7962]

22. Sorry about your mom. I know it has to be hard for you as well. I had a friend who's mom had it

And she was fine physically. It was very hard for them, because she could eat, talk, take care of herself etc. But she didnt know who THEY were. She ended up moving into an assisted living facility because she didnt want to live with "strangers". It was very sad.
The Navidea drug isnt being touted as a cure, but as a very early detection diagnostic to definitively ID Alzheimers. Apparently you stand a lot better chance of doing well if its caught early and you can start taking the meds that slow its progression. I think.

[xfundy]

5. Yes, hurry.

I watched both my mother and grandmother die from ALZ. It's a horrible death, it lingers while helpless families can only sit by and watch. It's worse for the families, ultimately, because the direct victims become unaware of anything.

[Left Coast2020]

9. Yes, more work is needed to develop a drug to solve this medical issue, but

...fucking repukes have said no to further medical research, and could give a shit about seniors health issues, or students, or environment.

Simply because they still can't get over losing to Americas first black president-----TWICE!

Instead, lets shut down all R & D for anything.

Bastards.

[mucifer]

12. IL senator mark kirk had a stroke so now he has sympathy for people on public aid

who can't get therapy covered. This is only because it relates to him. He didn't give a crap before his stroke and he hates the ACA . He is a republican.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

13. Being so selfish as they are, it's surprising the disease hasn't touched

so many of them personally that they don't get on board. I am just glad
that people don't joke about having it anymore.

[wordpix]

16. Boner better watch out with his drinking and smoking

AD hasn't been linked to these but I am sure they don't help and we know heavy drinking destroys brain cells. No wonder he can't think straight.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

18. He has turned into such a negative force. I can't even remember the last time

I have heard a single positive thing out of any republican, really. They were on a mission from that first luncheon on inauguration day to block everything Obama tried to do. Now, they are so fully consumed with negativity and hate that they can't even recognize and acknowledge something good. The million pound elephant in the room - they have lost all regard for compassion, kindness, and charity to the point of absurdity.

[wordpix]

15. xactly, +1000

[tweeternik]

21. More funding needed .....

staggering costs for care projected as baby boomers age ...

http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/09/16/nih-alzheimers-research-funding-column/2822817/

[theHandpuppet]

20. Another excerpt

The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, showed mice with prion disease developed severe memory and movement problems. They died within 12 weeks.

However, those given the compound showed no sign of brain tissue wasting away.

Lead researcher Prof Giovanna Mallucci told the BBC news website: "They were absolutely fine, it was extraordinary.

"What's really exciting is a compound has completely prevented neurodegeneration and that's a first.

The work is being done at a lab in the UK and the lead researcher is Professor Giovanna Mallucci. See what happens when you let women have an education?

[Bernardo de La Paz]

23. More discussion and links in another thread about the same report:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023820140