Researchers continue to look for causes of Alzheimer's and senile dementia. They have determined several possible culprits, including amyloid, but find that some people have high levels of amyloid without problems. Furthermore, blocking amyloid has no effects.
Now Harvard researchers have discovered a protein, they call REST that may be the magic bullet. REST is present during development in the uterus, and gradually disappears as we get older. But in those older people who resist mental deterioration REST begins to increase as they age. REST seems to protect the brain against damage from amyloid and aging.
Many experts feel this will be the key protein in preventing Alzheimer's.
No comments:
Post a Comment