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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : October 14, 2014 6:44 PM IST
Alzheimer's is an incurable disease and the disease has so far been a mystery, but now, in a break through a team of US researchers has confirmed that deposits of a protein called beta amyloid in the brain trigger Alzheimer's disease. Using 3D lab culture, the team at the Massachusetts General Hospital also found an enzyme that plays a key role in the progression of the disease, Washington Post reported. A 3D cell culture is an artificially-created environment in which biological cells are permitted to grow or interact with its surroundings in all three dimensions.
Scientists already know that two protein variants - amyloid beta that forms insoluble plaques and tau that creates neuro-fibrillary tangles - are distinguishing features of Alzheimer's disease. 'The question was, does the amyloid really cause the tangles because the tangles are what kill the nerve cells? And this is the first proof of concept in a human nerve cell system that it does,' lead study author Rudolph Tanzi, director of the genetics and ageing research unit at the Massachusetts General Hospital, was quoted as saying. (Read: 10 early symptoms of Alzheimer s disease)
To reach the conclusion, researchers used a 3D culture with neural stem cells that carried the variants in two genes, the amyloid beta precursor and presenilin 1, which is found in early onset Alzheimer's. The 3D models in the lab created both plaques and tangles. The discovery may revolutionise drug discovery for other neuro-degenerative disorders, researchers noted in a paper that appeared in the journal Nature. (Read: Can regular exercise help slow the progression of Alzheimer s disease?)
Here are 5 practical tips to care for a patient with Alzheimer s disease
Make necessary changes in the house
Pick a room for the patient and furnish it with their favourite and familiar things to provide a sense of comfort. The room must have adequate privacy. It is better to pick a room on the ground floor to avoid trouble with stairs. Evaluate the living space for safety and make necessary changes.
Involve all family members
If you have kids, let them know about the diagnosis and seek their help in making grandpa or grandma (the patient) feel comfortable. Educate them about the symptoms of the disease so they don t get upset when their favourite grandparent forgets their names. Caring for and living with an Alzheimer s patient can put enormous strain on your marriage as well. Make sure that you keep the communication lines open with your spouse too. Read more about 5 practical tips to care for a patient with Alzheimer s disease
With inputs from IANS
Photo source: Getty images
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