Painkillers against alzheimer's disease

25 марта, 2003
Scientists at the University of California have discovered that common painkillers may help dissolve the brain lesions - known as amyloid plaques - that are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Scotland on Sunday via NewsEdge Corporation : Scientists at the University of California have discovered that common painkillers may help dissolve the brain lesions - known as amyloid plaques - that are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen, bind to these amyloid plaques, helping to destroy them and prevent the growth of new plaques. According to the researchers, this may explain why people who take anti-inflammatory medication over several years seem to be at lower risk for later development of Alzheimer's disease. In a separate study conducted at both Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Stanford University, doctors found that malfunctioning brain cells, called astrocytes, may be the culprits behind the accumulation of the amyloid proteins that cause plaque to form. Everyone makes this substance, but in people with Alzheimer's disease, the production process goes haywire. They either make too much or too little, or the substance itself is degraded. As a result, the proteins clump up, forming plaques, which then lead to the death of neutrons and dementia. Alzheimer's disease often begins with mild memory lapses, after which memory, language and most mental functions gradually deteriorate. Researchers at the London School of Economics say the number of people with cognitive impairment will rise by about 66 per cent. This shows a clear need to find widely available treatments that will delay the progression of dementia. Wouldn't it be great if the answer was already lurking at the back of your medicine cabinet? For more information, contact the Alzheimer's Society, Gordon House, 10 Greencoat Place, London, SW1P 1PH (020 7306 0606; enquiries alzheimers.org.uk) Publication: Scotland on Sunday Distributed by Financial Times Information Limited <> << Copyright ©2003 Financial Times Limited, All Rights Reserved >>
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