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Alzheimer's breakthrough hailed as 'turning point'

Discussion in 'Science & Technology' started by Eshlemon, Oct 11, 2013.

  1. Eshlemon

    Eshlemon Well-Known Member

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24462699

    This is not a cure, but "points the way to one."
     
    CrunchTime likes this.
  2. Ohiophinphan

    Ohiophinphan Chaplain Staff Member Luxury Box

    Not surprising this research comes out of England. They have had a number of serious outbreaks of "Mad Cow Disease" and that is a prion disease. They would be more interested in its epidemiology than we would.

    I wonder if the research could also impact (pun intended) the concussion questions from the NFL? The pathology of the dementia involved is the rapid growth of a protein in the brain. Sounds like this drug would be even more helpful in that work than Alzheimer's.
     
    CrunchTime likes this.
  3. Ohio Fanatic

    Ohio Fanatic Twuaddle or bust Club Member

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    clearance of misfolded proteins in the brain isn't something new, but it is very exciting and a lot of companies are now working on this. However, this toxic compound they are dosing has many issues, one of which it's a kinase inhibitor, which isn't a big deal for something like oncology, but for coming up with a safe, chronic indication - like Alzheimers, MS,... it gets pretty complicated, especially for old people. So, while this is a good find, it's likely 15-25 years before you'll see anything that might work, and that's being optimistic. Having said that, like the article states, it's another starting point, which the industry is desperate for. Getting something to work well in the brain is so much harder than getting something to work elsewhere in the human body
     
    Daben likes this.

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