Irish scientists in Alzheimers breakthrough

“We think that this adjustment could be an entrained mechanism to allow for the clearance of toxic amyloid-beta from the brain in those living with Alzheimer’s disease”, said postdoctoral researcher in Trinity’s School of Genetics and Microbiology, Dr James Keaney, who spearheaded the study. While the mode by which amyloid-beta is cleared remains unclear, it is evident that it needs to be removed from the brain via the bloodstream.

A team of researchers at the University of Florida Health conducted a study on mouse models and in human cells. “By studying these individuals, we can develop insights into how Alzheimer’s disease naturally progresses and potential drug targets”, said principal investigator Michael Rafii, M.D., assistant professor of neurosciences and interim co-director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study at UCSD.

Further tests showed that stress releases a hormone known as “corticotrophin releasing factor” (CRF) into the brain, boosting the activity on an enzyme known as “gamma secretase”, which in turn also increases the production of beta-amyloid.

Researchers suggest that reducing stress in one’s life is the easiest way to ward off possible Alzheimer’s disease, as opposed to attempting to combat the genetic factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This study has shown the link between stress and Alzheimer’s disease.

“But we need more novel approaches in the pipeline than we have now”.

The most prominent symptom of the disease is memory loss, but, other symptoms and warning signs include difficulty in performing familiar tasks, problems with language such as forgetting phrases or words, and changes in mood, behaviour and personality. It is also the fourth leading cause of death in people over 65.

Germany is already sending several thousand sufferers, as well as the aged and otherwise ill, to Eastern Europe, Spain, Greece and Ukraine. About 100 Americans are now seeking care in the Philippines but more facilities are being built and a marketing campaign will be launched in 2014, says J.J. Reyes, who is planning a retirement community near Manila. Out of them, greater than four hundred, 000 even have Down syndrome. In Chiang Mai, a pleasant city ringed by mountains, Baan Kamlangchay will be followed by a $10 million, holiday-like home scheduled to open before mid-2014. With Thailand seeking to strengthen its already leading position as a medical tourism and retirement destination, similar projects are likely. By 2050, this number is expected to nearly triple to 13.8 million. And more are opting for retirement in lower-cost countries.

Stress-related ailments cost the United States around $300 billion every year.