|
New Research Offers Hope
When I found out a that close relative was diagnosed
with Alzheimer’s disease, I volunteered for the
NYC Chapter in order to educate myself and learn how
to provide support.
I love my family, and like many of you, would do anything
to spare them from the suffering of Alzheimer’s and
its inexorable march towards loss of memory, cognition
and identity. My family consists of bright, vibrant role
models. Without them I wouldn’t be who I am, a writer
who depends upon the use of language and cognitive skills.
To learn about the cutting edge of Alzheimer’s research,
I eagerly attended the 20th Annual Chapter Meeting,
“Competing Paradigms in Alzheimer’s Research,” which
took place on September 25th at The Rockefeller
University. A large, eclectic audience attended, including
scientists, elected officials, clergy, board members, family
members, persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other interested
parties.
The event was a panel presentation moderated by Dr.
Elemer Piros of Rodman & Renshaw. The panel consisted
of three eminent research scientists, renowned in their
field: Dr. Peter Davies, who has been focused on the biochemistry
of Alzheimer’s disease for the last 33 years; Dr.
Norman R. Relkin, who is a neuroscientist as well as a
practicing physician; and Dr. Rudolph E.Tanzi, who has
been investigating the molecular genetics of human neurodegenerative
disease since 1980.
Their presentations gave me cause for hope. Dr. Davies
spoke of his tau research. Tau is a protein found in the tangled
nerve fibers of the brain cells of Alzheimer’s patients.
He discovered evidence that changes in tau mimicked cell
division in cancer cells. Researchers managed to induce
the cell cycle in mice,which resulted in tau tangles similar
to those in Alzheimer’s patients. If the activation of this cell
cycle can be prevented, possibly Alzheimer’s, too, can be
prevented.
Dr. Relkin discussed the “amyloid cascade” theory,
which holds that Alzheimer’s brain plaque contains a protein
called beta-amyloid which causes the disease. He cited
the work of Dr. Dale Shenk at Elan Pharmaceuticals who
tested the hypothesis that the body’s immunological
response could be used to fight off the amyloid plaque formation. A vaccine was developed, which injected amyloid
protein strains into research participants. Unfortunately,
several trial participants died due to inflammation of the
brain, so the trial was stopped.
However, despite the severe reaction of some of the
patients, others in the interrupted trial may have responded
positively to the vaccine. Autopsies of five trial participants
who later died of natural causes revealed evidence of
plaque-clearing in their brains. This result supported the
theory that Alzheimer’s disease could be attacked using the
body’s immune system, giving rise to a new therapy called
Intravenous Immunoglobin (IVIG). Instead of vaccinating
patients with amyloid protein to produce antibodies, scientists
infused patients directly with pre-made antibodies
derived from human blood plasma.
A version of IVIG was used in human clinical trials.
After treatment, anti-amyloid antibodies increased in trial
participants. Their mental states also improved.
Dr.Tanzi is seeking genetic clues for therapies. Now that
scientists have the technology to scan the entire human
genome, a genome map can be created. Then genetic profiles
can be developed for study, and possibly indicate the
risk of Alzheimer’s disease. If you know your risk, you can
take action to reduce your chances of getting Alzheimer’s.
Dr.Tanzi is exploring many factors regarding the genetics
of Alzheimer’s, including the role of heredity and gene
therapy.
The advances in technology and scientific knowledge
displayed at the Annual Meeting gave me great hope that
new Alzheimer’s disease treatments may be able to stop,
reverse or even prevent this extremely complex disease.
This would be a boon to me personally and to society in
general.
— Kathi Berke
 Previous | Next 
|
