Researchers identify Alzheimer's gene
(chromosomal abnormality)
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B.C. researchers have identified the gene that destroys brain cells in people with Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome.
Dr. Weihong Song, Canada Research Chair in Alzheimer's disease and University of B.C. professor of psychiatry, said the discovery opens the way to find a drug that could hold off dementia for people with either condition. "It will likely take years to find a therapy or drug that could block the spread of the disease and that's our next target," said Song, who led the research team.
The team found that the excessive production of a protein called Regulator of Calcineurin 1 sets in motion a chain reaction that kills neurons in the hippocampus and cortex regions of the brains of people with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's. "Neuron death is the primary reason for the memory loss and cognitive impairments of Alzheimer's disease and it's the main reason people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer's disease long before most people, usually in their 30s," said Song. He said by looking at common elements in both conditions, researchers were able to pinpoint how and why deterioration occurred.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and usually affects people over age 60. Read more: canada.com
Green tea and Alzheimer's
"A cup of green tea a day appears to protect against Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia". The researchers say that their results show that green tea metabolites (the contents of the green tea extract) can reduce cell death caused by hydrogen peroxide and beta-amyloid protein in the laboratory. Read more: portadowntimes.co.uk
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