Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

Understanding of Dementia's Onset Facilitated by Breakthrough

by Rajashri on August 14, 2008 at 3:23 PM
 Understanding of Dementia's Onset Facilitated by Breakthrough

For the first time, a common form of dementia has been artificially reproduced by University of Nottingham scientists. This is a "crucial breakthrough" that may help advance the understanding of the disease.

The researchers say that their work has provided them with the first ever opportunity to map the onset of the disease, similar to Alzheimer's, and track how drugs affect it.

Advertisement

They hope that their research will enable them to develop treatments to halt the onset of the disease.

Writing about their study, the researchers revealed that described dementia with Lewy bodies as the second most ost common form of dementia.

Besides causing memory loss, they said, the cureless disease also triggers other distressing symptoms like hallucinations and tremors.
Advertisement

John Mayer, a professor at the University of Nottingham, believes that creating the same damage to the brain in mice may facilitate significant improvements in the current treatments for the disease that target only its symptoms, but do nothing to tackle its causes.

He claims that his team is the first to reproduce the nerve cell death, another symptom that many scientists believe may be one cause of dementia with Lewy bodies.

"This mouse model is the first platform to understand how the brain cell deterioration takes place. We will use this model to identify targets for new drugs to slow or prevent the disease," the Telegraph quoted him as saying.

To create the condition in mice, Mayer and his colleagues engineered them to lack a crucial gene that aids in the "waste disposal" process of all cells.

The researchers observed that the nerve cells began to die in the absence of the gene.

Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said: "This is a crucial breakthrough for scientists fighting Lewy body disease. Further research using these models will enable us to find new drug targets.

The researcher added: "It is because of the astonishing generosity of Telegraph readers that this research came to fruition. We cannot thank the newspaper and its readers enough for their extraordinary munificence."

The study has been published in the Journal of Neuroscience.

Source: ANI
RAS/V
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Research News

Life Expectancy Gap for Autistic Individuals Revealed
Diagnosed autistic individuals showed increased premature mortality in the UK, highlighting urgent needs to address associated inequalities.
Exploring How Hearing Impairment Shapes Dementia Risk
Study reveals a correlation between hearing impairment and distinct brain region variances, contributing to dementia.
Coffee and its Role in Neurodegenerative Disorders
Financial impact of caring for individuals with neurodegenerative disorders reaches hundreds of billions annually in the United States.
Healthcare Industry Struggles With Tech Skills Shortage
Experts emphasize that addressing the skills gap demands immediate attention and innovative solutions, including education, re-training, and significant time investment.
Nano-Probes Uncover Cellular Reactions to Pressure
New study unveiled the cells' ability to adapt in responses and potential implications for conditions such as diabetes and cancer.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Understanding of Dementia's Onset Facilitated by Breakthrough Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests