Doctors are reversing memory loss in Alzheimer's

Breakthrough in the treatment of Alzheimer's?

When people suffer from Alzheimer's, it leads to a memory loss in those affected. Experts have long sought ways and means to prevent or reverse these effects of the disease. Physicians were now able to reverse the memory loss in mice with Alzheimer's. Could this also be possible for people with Alzheimer's?

The researchers from the University of Buffalo found in their study that it is possible to reverse the memory loss of mice with Alzheimer's disease. The researchers published the results of their study in the English-language journal "Brain".

Alzheimer's disease affects the lives of many older people. For sufferers and relatives, this disease represents a huge burden. (Image: Ocskay Bence / fotolia.com)

There is no treatment to cure Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's affects the ability of neurons to transmit electrical signals to brain areas responsible for memory formation. There are currently no treatments that could cure or permanently delay the progression of the disease. The scientists studied genetic changes that affect how DNA instructions are read and expressed in cells (called epigenetics). By deciphering which epigenetic changes affect signaling between neurons and leading to memory loss, physicians sought to determine which drugs might be effective in treating the disease.

Memory loss could be reversed

Not only have the physicians identified the epigenetic factors that contribute to memory loss, but have also found ways to temporarily suspend them in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease, says study author Professor Zhen Yan of the University of Buffalo.

Alzheimer's causes breakdown of important receptors

Most research is focused on fighting the build up of toxic deposits of protein molecules. Professor Yan and his colleagues studied another factor that affects memory formation. They found that neurons in the cerebral cortex gradually lost receptors for an important neurotransmitter (glutamate) - in parts of the brain responsible for working memory. Post-mortem studies in Alzheimer's patients showed that they lacked these receptors. This led the physicians to a particular group of enzymes that could influence the genes responsible for neurotransmitter production. When mice with Alzheimer's were given these enzyme inhibitors, the maintenance of cognitive function was confirmed by assessments of so-called recognition memory, spatial memory and working memory, explains Professor Yan.

Improvements lasted only briefly

These improvements lasted only a week, but Prof. Yan and his colleagues are working to refine an administration method that allows the drug to reach more neurons in the brain and gain more impact.

Further research is needed

However, the short-lived findings in mice do not guarantee that the same effects occur in humans. One of the most exciting aspects of epigenetic research is that the changes may be reversible. Rosa Sancho from Alzheimer's Research UK on the study results. The results obtained on mice must now also be checked on humans. (As)