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View Full Version : Compound stops Alzheimer's brain cell loss


Bhumble
01-23-2006, 10:42 AM
CHICAGO, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Northwestern University scientists say they have developed a novel orally administered compound to help Alzheimer's disease patients.

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The compound reportedly halts brain cell inflammation and neuron loss associated with Alzheimer's disease. The researchers note the compound is also rapidly absorbed by the brain and is non-toxic -- important considerations for a central nervous system drug that might need to be taken for extended periods.

The compound, called MW01-5-188WH, selectively inhibits production of pro-inflammatory proteins called cytokines by glia. Those are cells of the central nervous system that normally help the body mount a response, but are overactivated in certain neurodegenerative diseases -- such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, stroke and traumatic brain injury.

The compound was designed and synthesized in the laboratory of D. Martin Watterson, a professor of cell and molecular biology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.

The discovery is detailed in the Jan. 11 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International. All Rights Reserved.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/index.php?feed=Science&article=UPI-1-20060119-17572200-bc-us-alzheimers.xml

Mage
01-23-2006, 01:01 PM
That's huge! :D

Jennie
01-23-2006, 01:29 PM
awesome. I'll have to check out more info about this.

wanting-wings
01-23-2006, 03:47 PM
I really hope so......

Bhumble
01-23-2006, 04:01 PM
Seriously alzheimers is one of the saddest things I've witnessed live. It's not gross but just so sad to witness. I don't want to go out like that.

wanting-wings
01-23-2006, 04:07 PM
I agree. It is devastating.....

I cannot imagine being the spouse of someone who cannot remember you.......so tragic....and at times I believe it to be more overwhelming to the family because they have to endure someone they love looking at them as if they just met.....yes, it is rough on the person afflicted, too.....

I have said it before, but Scar Tissue is an excellent book that deals with this.....makes you think and helps you understand the emotional trauma......

on a side note, try to do things in your daily life that will decrease your rick of developing Alzheimers.....these things include but are not limited to: memory games, finding new routes when driving, and continuing to learn new things...

Jennie
01-23-2006, 04:19 PM
Yes, keeping your mind active throughout your life and into your older years is VERY important. I don't even know how I would deal with having a loved one with alzheimer's. It would be devistating in every way.

wanting-wings
01-23-2006, 04:23 PM
exactly......that is one of the reasons that I broke it off with my former boyfriend...we dated for 4 years....he is an excellent person with a heart of gold, but he did not take care of himself body or mind....and I just thought to myself oneday, why am I investing so much of myself into someone who is not going to be around that long...someone who cannot invest in themselves.....may not make sense to some of you....but he was a drinker(almost every night and lots) plus he ate terribly, smoked, never exercised, never read....etc......when I met andrew I realized what I really wanted out of someone......

nevermind......