Alzheimer's damage may be reversible

ShortyShorty Manchester, UK Icrontian
edited July 2005 in Science & Tech
While not tech news, this is news to those of us who fold to help find cures for diseases..

Some recovery of memory may be possible in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, suggests a provocative new study in mice that could help researchers open a two-pronged attack against the mind-robbing illness.

The research shows a mutant protein named tau is poisoning brain cells, and that blocking its production may allow some of those sick neurons to recover. It worked in demented mice who, to the scientists' surprise, fairly rapidly regained memory.
"There basically are two prongs and we need to deal with both," said lead researcher Karen Ashe, a University of Minnesota neurologist. "What we're showing is that there are neurons which are affected (by Alzheimer's) but not dead."
Source: CNN

Comments

  • JengoJengo Pasco, WA | USA
    edited July 2005
    wow, thats great news. Alzheimers really sucks. I hope by the time I might have the chance to get it, there will be a cure for it.
  • NLichtmanNLichtman Spring Valley, CA
    edited July 2005
    Great News! I knew that it was possible all along. ;D
  • RADARADA Apple Valley, CA Member
    edited July 2005
    Great news, but it won't help us folks that are just plain forgetful.............where the heck did I leave my pants.................. ;D
  • KwitkoKwitko Sheriff of Banning (Retired) By the thing near the stuff Icrontian
    edited July 2005
    This is excellent news, considering my family has a history. Both grandparents on father's side had Alzheimer's.
  • MissilemanMissileman Orlando, Florida Icrontian
    edited July 2005
    My Dad has it. His mother had it really bad. Was a complete animal the last 25 years of her life. No higher functions at all. It's such a terrible situation to watch.

    Of course there is my increased loss of memory that they like to say is normal aging, but I think........................ Oh I forget :confused:


    I hope they hurry :scratch:

    What were we talking about ????
  • profdlpprofdlp The Holy City Of Westlake, Ohio
    edited July 2005
    Let's hope and pray that this is the beginning of the end for this horrible disease. :)
  • GHoosdumGHoosdum Icrontian
    edited July 2005
    I guess Stanford is going to be sending out some WUs of that protein soon, eh?
  • SpywareShooterSpywareShooter 127.0.0.1
    edited July 2005
    Whoo! Finally some proof that all this folding is doing the world some good. Hopefully this will progress into finding a cure or immunization for the disease.
Sign In or Register to comment.