'Road block' in brain cells may prevent Alzheimer's, scientists say
Tuesday 23rd August 2011
Scientists believe that a simple 'road block' method could be used to prevent the development of Alzheimer's disease.
In a paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers said that blocking a transport pathway in brain cells could halt the development of the neurodegenerative disease.
The amyloid beta precursor protein (APP) and the beta secretase enzyme (BACE1) were found to each follow a different path through the brain cell before meeting up.
When they do collide, the foundations are created for Alzheimer's disease.
"Closing off or rerouting the path which beta secretase follows to get to APP may perhaps be used to inhibit the rise of the disease. However, a great deal of additional research will be necessary to confirm whether this discovery can effectively lead to a drug," explained scientist Wim Annaert.
In other news, the moderate consumption of alcohol may cut the risk of Alzheimer's disease, according to a study published in journal Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment.
Written by Angela Newbury
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