Major Breakthrough in Alzheimer's Research

For many years, researchers have known that the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain is heavily associated with Alzheimer's Disease. These plaques are abnormal buildups of sticky, toxic proteins between neurons, causing damage to the neurons over time. Until recently, researchers did not know what caused these plaques to accumulate, only suspecting that an enzyme called beta-secretase 1 (BACE1) was the culprit. 

But on February 14th of 2018, researchers published a study in the Journal of Experimental Medicine that confirmed their suspicion. Scientists at the Cleveland clinic Lerner Research Institute in Cleveland, Ohio, have successfully reversed Alzheimer's in mice, both by selectively breeding mice with lower BACA1 levels that declined with age, as well as the use of a BACA1 inhibitor. which - on the surface - seems to be a viable treatment for human subjects. As Riqiang Yan from the Department of Neurosciences at the Lerner Research Institute states, "Our data shows that BACE1 inhibitors have the potential to treat Alzheimer's disease patients without unwanted toxicity. Future studies should develop strategies to minimize the synaptic impairments arising from significant inhibition of BACE1 to achieve maximal and optimal benefits for Alzheimer's patients." 

As of 2017, one in ten individuals over the age of 65 has Alzheimer's Disease, making this recent development a historic and much needed breakthrough that offers a promising treatment to a widespread disease that can be devastating for those afflicted and their loved ones. 

Providing care for a loved one who is experiencing symptoms of dementia caused by Alzheimer's can be a big job, which is why so many people are turning to in-home assisted living options to provide relief. If you could use some assistance at home, the experienced and compassionate caregivers of ACC Adult Home Care can help. Call Melva Sherwood, RN, at 440.320.3335 to discuss your options today.