12/01/2016
Scientists in the United Kingdom have discovered that blocking a receptor in the brain which deals with immune cell regulation appears to be able to "protect against the memory and behaviour changes seen in the progression of Alzheimer's disease."
Information released by the University of Southampton suggests that scientists have evidence that "inflammation in the brain can in fact drive the development of the disease."
Armed with this knowledge, researchers will now attempt to develop a drug that can reduce the inflammation of the brain in order to tackle the negative effects of Alzheimer’s.
In the academic study, tissue samples from people of the same age with healthy brains were compared with those with Alzheimer's.
The numbers of a specific type of immune cell called ‘microglia’ were counted. The brains with Alzheimer's were found to contain more of these immune cells than healthy ones. It became apparent that the brain’s over production of microglia was what was causing Alzheimer’s.
According to CNBC, clinical trials of using a drug to counteract the adverse effects of Alzheimer’s have already been successful on mice.
“The production of microglia in mice bred to develop the characteristics of Alzheimer's was blocked by researchers. Mice were given a drug which blocks CSF1R, a receptor that regulates microglia.
“Compared to mice left untreated, those that had been treated were able to demonstrate "fewer memory and behavioural problems."
"These findings are as close to evidence as we can get to show that this particular pathway is active in the development of Alzheimer's disease," said Diego Gomez-Nicola, lead researcher.
"The next step is to work closely with our partners in industry to find a safe and suitable drug that can be tested to see if it works in humans," Gomez-Nicola added.
Doug Brown, director of research at the U.K.'s Alzheimer's Society, was encouraged by the results and the implications that a well researched and developed drug could have on society.
"With an ageing population and no new dementia drugs in over a decade, the need to find treatments that can slow or stop disease progression is greater than ever," he said.
"Although dementia research is still desperately underfunded, increased commitments from government and charities are boosting UK research efforts and contributing to faster global progress towards a much needed cure."
It is hoped that with increased funding, a drug can be made available on a wide scale cheaply and can be effective in stopping the decline of mental capacity in old age.
Written By:
Daniel James
www.danieljamesbio.com
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