A search for a cure Alzheimer’sDisease is becoming a more competitive and contentious pursuit with recent years witnessing many important controversies.
In July 2022 Science magazineIt was reported that the key 2006 research paper published by the prestigious journal NatureThe data used to identify a subtype brain protein called beta-amyloid, as the cause of Alzheimer’s disease, could have been faked.
In June 2021, one year earlier, the The US Food and Drug Administration approved aducanumabThe use of, an antibody-targeting beta amyloid treatment, for Alzheimer’s disease was supported even though data were contradictory and insufficient.
Some doctors feel that aducanumab shouldn’t have been approved. However, others believe it should be.
Given the fact that millions of people are in need of effective treatment, how can researchers continue to fail to find solutions for this disease?
The beta-amyloid trap:
Since the beginning, scientists have focused their efforts on finding new ways to combat Alzheimer’s. By preventing brain-damaging clusters of this mysterious proteinBeta-amyloid is also known.
In reality, scientists are in a bit intellectual rut, focusing almost exclusively upon this approach, and sometimes neglecting or completely ignoring other explanations.
Unfortunately, the dedication to studying abnormal protein clumps is not translating into a drug or therapy. Brain science is recognizing the need to find a new way of looking at Alzheimer’s.
My laboratory at Krembil Brain Institute is part of the University Health Network, Toronto. It’s developing a method for detecting and preventing Alzheimer’s disease. New theory about Alzheimer’s disease.
We have learned that Alzheimer’s is not a brain disease. We believe that Alzheimer’s disease is principally a brain disease. A disorder of the immune system in the brain.
The immune system, which is located in every organ of your body, is composed of many cells and molecules that work in unison to heal injuries and protect you from foreign invaders.
The immune system is there to help a person who has fallen or tripped. The immune system aids in fighting off microbial invaders when someone is suffering from a viral or bacterial illness.
These exact processes are also present in the brain. The brain’s immune system responds to head trauma by repairing the damage. The immune system fights back against bacteria in the brain when there is a high level of infection.
Alzheimer’s is an autoimmune disease
Beta-amyloid, we believe, is not an abnormally made protein. It is a normal occurring molecule that is part the brain’s immune response. It’s supposed to be there.
Beta-amyloid plays a critical role in the brain’s immune system, whether there is brain trauma or bacteria. Here is the problem.
Due to the striking similarities between fat molecules that make up the membranes for bacteria and brain cells, beta amyloid cannot tell the difference and attacks the brain cells it is supposed protect.
This leads to a chronic, progressive loss of brain cell function, which ultimately culminates in dementia – all because our body’s immune system cannot differentiate between bacteria and brain cells.
Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that occurs when the brain’s immune system misdirects attack on the organ it is supposed be protecting.
There are many types autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid. In these cases, autoantibodies play an important role in the development of the disease. For this reason, steroid-based therapies may be useful. However, these treatments will not work against Alzheimer’s.
The brain is an extremely special organ that has been recognized as a distinct and unique entity. The Universe’s most complex structure. Our model of Alzheimer’s shows beta-amyloid protects and bolsters our immune system. Unfortunately, however, it plays a key role in the autoimmune process which, we believe may lead to Alzheimer’s.
While drugs that are used for the treatment of autoimmune disorders may not work against Alzheimer’s, we believe that targeting other immune-regulating pathways within the brain will allow us to develop new and effective ways to combat the disease.
Some theories are also possible.
Many other theories, including the autoimmune theory of Alzheimer’s disease, are emerging. Some scientists even believe that Alzheimer’s Disease is a disease that affects tiny cellular structures called mitochondria. – the energy factories in every brain cell.
Mitochondria convert oxygen emitted from the air we inhale and glucose absorbed from food into the energy needed to remember and think.
Some believe it is the end-result. Particular brain infectionWith The culprit is often bacteria from the mouth.. Some others speculate that the disease may be due to an The brain may be subject to abnormal handling of metallics, possibly zinc, copper, or iron.
It is satisfying to see. This age-old disease is getting new attention. More than 50 million people are currently affected by dementia. A new diagnosis is made for each three seconds. Alzheimer’s patients often cannot recognize their own children, or their spouses of over 50 years.
Alzheimer’s is a public crisis that demands innovative ideas.
We need to have a better understanding about Alzheimer’s and its causes. This will help us to provide support for those living with it.
Donald WeaverProfessor of Chemistry, Director of Krembil Research Institute University Health Network University of Toronto
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