The A to Z of Alzheimer's Disease
You are here:
Directory | Alzheimer's| Alzheimer's Toxin May Be Key To Slowing Disease
Alzheimer's Toxin May Be Key To Slowing Disease
By Baron Grove
Australian scientists say they have identified a toxin which
plays a key role in the onset of Alzheimer's, raising hope that
a drug targeting the toxin could be developed to slow the
degenerative brain disease.
The toxin, called quinolinic acid, kills nerve cells in the
brain, leading to dysfunction and death, the scientists said.
"Quinolinic acid may not be the cause of Alzheimer's disease,
but it plays a key role in its progression," Alzheimer's
researcher Dr Karen Cullen from the University of Sydney said in
a statement. "It's the smoking gun, if you like."
"While we won't be able to prevent people from getting
Alzheimer's disease, we may eventually, with the use of drugs,
be able to slow down the progression."
Alzheimer's is a brain-destroying disease that affects millions
of people around the world. As the population gets steadily
older, experts estimate numbers will balloon to as many as 16
million in the United States alone by 2015.
More than 200,000 people have Alzheimer's disease in Australia
and the number is expected to rise to 730,000 by 2050.
Outward symptoms start with memory loss, which progresses to
complete helplessness as brain cells are destroyed. In the
brain, neurons die as messy plaques and tangles of protein form.
The Alzheimer's research team from Sydney's St Vincent's
Hospital, the University of Sydney and Japan's Hokkaido
University found quinolinic acid neurotoxicity in the brains of
dementia patients.
Quinolinic acid is part of a biochemical pathway called the
kynurenine pathway which is also found in other brain disorders,
including Huntington's disease and schizophrenia.
The scientists said there were several drugs in an advanced
stage of development for other conditions which targeted this
pathway and that these drugs, which still need to be tested,
could be used to complement other treatments for Alzheimer's.
About the author:
Baron Grove http://www.refridgerator.net
Related Alzheimer's Disease Articles:
A Brief History of Alzheimer's
A Good Daughter, Inc. Leading Caregiving Organization in Broward Recognizes Sandra Day O’Connor
Alzheimer's and Diet
Alzheimer Disease and Antioxidants
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease - A Carer's Guide
Alzheimer's Disease and Disorientation Difficulties
Alzheimer's Disease and Personality Problems
Alzheimer's Disease: Knowing What to Expect and How to Cope
Alzheimer's Disease - Not Exclusive To The Elderly
Alzheimer’s Disease – The Epidemic Of The Future
Alzheimer's Disease, The Horrific Stealer
Alzheimer's Disease - 'The Living Death'
Alzheimer's: Facts and Advise
Press Release
Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s – Could the Cause be Radon?
Alzheimer’s Patients And Verbal Abuse: How To Deal With It
Alzheimer's: Prevent it now!
Alzheimer's Toxin May Be Key To Slowing Disease
Alzheimers - A Personal Story
Alzheimers Disease
Alzheimers Disease - The Coming Epidemic
Alzheimers; The Causes And Symptoms Of Alzheimer's Disease
Are All Dementias Alzheimer’s?
Are You at Risk for Getting Alzheimer's Disease?
As The Primary Care Giver for an Alzheimer’s Patient, How Can I Get a Break?
As The Primary Caregiver, Should I Journal My Feelings About Alzheimer’s Disease?
Bath Time For Your Alzheimer’s Patient
“Being a Primary Carer for a relative with Alzheimer’s disease – The Long Goodbye”
Brain Nutrients for Alzheimers Disease and Senile Dementia
Can Alzheimer's Be Prevented?
Care for the Person with Alzheimer's
Coffee & Alzheimers disease?
Compassionate Touch and Alzheimer's
Could Your Loved One Be Getting Alzheimer's? 5 Early Warning Signals
Diabetes: Alzheimer's and Diabetes Could Be Linked Diseases II
Discover How Vitamin C And Vitamin E Can Help Prevent Alzheimer's Disease.
Disorientation and Alzheimer's Disease in the Home
Dr. Lawrence Broxmeyer of Med America Research Finds Correlation Between Contaminated Food and Alzheimer’s
Enhancing the Quality of Life for People withAlzheimer's and Their Families
Facts About Alzheimer's Disease
Grapes May Prevent Alzheimer's
Heavy Metal Anchor Alzheimer's In Your Brain
Heavy Metals Anchor Alzheimer's In Your Brain
Helping Carers Communicate with Patients Having Alzheimer's Disease
How Adult Day Care can help you maintain your sanity while caring for your loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease
How Do You Know It’s Alzheimers?
How to Cope Better With Alzheimers Disease
How to cope with agitation in your loved one who has Alzheimer’s
How to get the Alzheimer’s patient off the road... Taking the Keys Away
How to manage medications for your loved one with Alzheimer’s
In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, what is the best environment?
Inappropriate Sexual Behavior Related with Alzheimer's Disease
Living with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's & Mild Cognitive Impairment
Major News in the Research of Alzheimer's Disease
Malnutrition as a Result of Alzheimer's Disease?
Memory Loss in Alzheimer's Disease
Mind-Robbing Alzheimer
My Mother Left Me, She Got Alzheimer’s Disease
New Hope for Alzheimer's Disease
New Hope for Alzheimer's Treatment
Nutrition Research on Alzheimer's Disease and Brain Health
Olga Brunner Applauds Justice O’Connor's Caregiver Role
Participating In Alzheimer Activities With A Patient
Prevent or Delay Alzheimer's Disease
Purchasing Alzheimer Products Online From Reputable Sources
Sandra Day O’Connor Steps Down to be A Caregiver
Senior Care for Alzheimer’s
Short Trips Can Stimulate Alzheimer's Patients
Sleeping Pattern Disruption's with Alzheimer Disease
Stem Cell research and Alzheimers disease
The Risks of Alzheimer's
The Seven Stages Of Alzheimer's Disease
Treatment For Dementia In Care Facilities or Nursing Homes
Use Ginkgo Biloba to Starve Off Alzheimer's and Dementia
What Is Alzheimer's Disease?
What Prevents Alzheimer’s?
When is a Nursing Home Appropriate for the Alzheimer's Patient?
Directory | Alzheimer's |