Scientists reverse memory loss in mice with Alzheimer's

Spanish scientists have for the first time used gene therapy to reverse memory loss in mice with Alzheimer's, an advance that could lead to new drugs to treat the disease, they said today. The Autonomous University of Barcelona team injected a gene which causes the production of a protein that is blocked in patients with Alzheimer's into the hippocampus, a region of the brain essential to memory processing, in mice that were in the initial stages of the disease.

'The protein that was reinstated by the gene therapy triggers the signals needed to activate the genes involved in long-term memory consolidation,' the university said in a statement. Gene therapy involves transplanting genes into a patient's cells to correct an otherwise incurable disease caused by failure of one or another gene. The finding was published in The Journal of Neuroscience and it follows four years of research. 'The hope is that this study could lead to the development of pharmaceutical drugs that can activate these genes in humans and allow for the recovery of memory,' the head of the research team, Carlos Saura said. Alzheimer's, caused by toxic proteins that destroy brain cells, is the most common form of dementia. (Read: Now a new method to treat Alzheimer's)

Worldwide, 35.6 million people suffer from the fatal degenerative disease, which is currently incurable, and there are 7.7 million new cases every year, according to a 2012 report from the World Health Organisation. In 2010 the total global societal cost of dementia was estimated to be 604 billion USD, according to Alzheimer's Disease International, a federation of Alzheimer associations around the world. (Read: Could you suffer from Alzheimer's in the future? Take this blood test to find out)

What is Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative mental disease that causes problems with memory, thinking and behaviour. It is the most common form of dementia and is commonly seen in the elderly. While the chances of developing the disease increase with age, it is now seen that younger people are also now being diagnosedwith the disease.

During the course of Alzheimer's disease, nerve cells in areas of the brain that control language, reasoning, sensory processing, and conscious thought die due to plaque deposition. Symptoms include confusion, mood swings, impaired reasoning or judgement, long-term memory loss and a gradual loss of bodily functions.Dementia is the most prominently visible symptom. People with Alzheimer's begin to have problems recognising family and friends. They also find it exceptionally difficult to learn new things, carry out tasks that involve multiple steps (like getting dressed) and cope with new situations. They might suffer from insomnia. In the more severe stages of Alzheimer's disease, the brain completely shrinks and they become increasinglydependent on others.

The diagnosis of Alzheimer's is usually based on collective symptoms and family history. Other tests that can be performed are mental status tests and radiological tests. A recent advancement in the diagnosis of the disease is the use of biomarkers. Current treatments for Alzheimer's are based on treating the symptoms but they do not eliminate the cause. The best way to slow the process and prevent it from progressing is early medical intervention. The earlier the condition is identified, the better the prognosis. Treatments include medications for memory loss and treatments for behavioural and sleep changes. Intervention therapies like reminiscence therapy, simulated presence therapy and validation theory may improve the quality of a patient's life. (Read: Alzheimer disease it's more common than you think)

With inputs from PTI

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