Another Genetic Cause Of Alzheimer's Disease

Another Genetic Cause Of Alzheimer's Disease.
Researchers have discovered that the variation of a gene associated with beginning onset Alzheimer's may block a key recycling process demanded for brain cell survival - a finding that points the way to possible treatment for the disease. When it's working properly, this gene - called presenilin 1 (PS1) - performs a vital house-cleaning utility by helping brain cells digest unwanted, damaged and potentially toxic proteins.

But in its mutated form, the gene fails to supporter cells recycle these capability toxins, suggesting an explanation for the damage to the brain characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. "We hold we have identified the principal mechanism by which mutations of PS1 cause the most common genetic appear of Alzheimer's disease," study co-author Dr Ralph A Nixon, professor in the departments of psychiatry and chamber biology as well as director of NYU's Center of Excellence on Brain Aging and the Silberstein Alzheimer's Institute, said in a university rumour release.

And "Presently, no effective treatment exists to either unproductive or prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease," added Nixon, also director of the Center for Dementia Research at the Nathan S Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research in New York City. "This unearthing has the the of identifying such a treatment".