Methylthioninium chloride, the active ingredient in Rember , has shown to prevent the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease in early clinical trials. TauRx Therapeutics developed the drug in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen to inhibit the aggregation of Tau proteins as well as enhancing key mitochondrial activity (such as Complex IV) (Atamna 22). Tau proteins stabilize microtubules and are abundant in the neurons of the central nervous system. It is believed that Alzheimer’s disease can originate from Tau proteins improperly stabilizing microtubules, such as when they aggregate together (Harrington). Figure 1: Structure of Methylthioninium chloride Methylene blue (methylthioninium chloride) has several other non-FDA approved applications aside from its possible use for Alzheimer’s treatment. It is frequently used as a dye in medical procedures, such as colonoscopies and sentinel lymph node dissections. 1 When combined with light, methylene blue has been used to treat West Nile virus, resistant plaque psoriasis, hepatitis C, and even hypotension during heart surgery (Papin 68, Salah 8, Müller-Breitkreutz 56). Akorn Pharmaceuticals and Sigma-Aldrich currently sells methylene blue for these applications. The global market for Alzheimer’s Disease treatment will more than double in value from $4.9 billion to an estimated $13.3 billion by 2023 with a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 10.50 percent (Nicholson 1). Currently, the four Alzheimer’s drugs available only ease the
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by the degeneration and death of brain cells that causes a loss of mental function. Although neuronal loss is not considered a normal part of aging, age is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (Lindsay et al., 2002). Hallmarks of AD include tau tangles and Amyloid-β plaques, whose interaction is thought to lead to neuronal death (Ittner & Götz, 2011). At present, there is no singular cause identified for AD, and further study is required before a cure can be developed. One proposed link to AD is a mutation in Microtubule Associated Protein Tau (MAPT), coded by the MAPT gene located on chromosome 17 (Lee, Goedert, & Trojanowski, 2001). Tau protein is normally soluble and functions to stabilize microtubules within axons. However, mutations in MAPT can cause Neurofibrillary Tangles (NFTs) comprised of hyper-phosphorylated tau protein to collect within neurons and spread throughout the brain (Clavaguera et al., 2009). These tau tangles are detergent-insoluble and impair axonal transport to an extent (Zhang et al., 2012). Transgenic mice expressing mutant human P301S tau protein exhibit synaptic dysfunction followed by hippocampal and cortical neuronal loss (Yoshiyama et al.,
Alzheimer 's disease (AD) is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain from which there is no recovery. There are three brain abnormalities that are the hallmarks of the Alzheimer’s disease is initially caused by plaques buildup in the brain’s neurons as illustrated in figure 1. The support structure that allows the flow of the nutrients through the neurons gets damaged and ultimately there is loss of connection among the neurons and they die off (National Institute of Health, 2015). This causes the brain tissue to shrinks, which is called atrophies. All this ultimately lead the victim of this disease to face difficulties in governing emotions, recognize errors and patterns, coordinate movement, and remember. Ultimately, a person with AD loses all memory and mental functioning.
The disease stem cells could fix is called Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The reason I chose this topic is because I have seen first hand how badly someone who suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease is affected in their daily lives. This disease completely takes over their lives and they turn into a completely different person who can hardly function. AD is very tough on the loved ones of the person suffering from it because that person, most of the time has no idea what is going on or who their loved ones are. The memories for people with AD is completely gone and even the simplest tasks such as remembering to use the bathroom becomes difficult. The way stem cells could be feasible is because stem cell-based therapies could potentially treat
Alzheimer’s disease is a complex illness that affects the brain tissue directly and undergoes gradual memory and behavioral changes which makes it difficult to diagnose. It is known to be the most common form of dementia and is irreversible. Over four million older Americans have Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to triple in the next twenty years as more people live into their eighties and nineties. (Johnson, 1989). There is still no cure for Alzheimer’s but throughout the past few years a lot of progress has been made.
Alzheimer’s Disease has been one of the top leading causes of death in our country. It is understood that this disease is identified as an excess of the protein amyloid-ß within an increase of plaque (Seneff, Wainwright, and Mascitelli, 2010). Additionally, as the brain ages, it gets used to the inflammation and oxidative stress, so it is important to take the right amount of antioxidant micronutrients like vitamin C and vitamin E as well as anti-inflammatory macronutrients such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to protect the brain from ageing (Whalley et. al, 2004). This is a devastating disease that affects most people over the age of fifty. Recently, there have been many studies done to figure out what causes this disease, if there is anything that can cure it, and how to prevent the disease. Seneff, Wainwright, and Mascitelli, believe Alzheimer’s develops with consuming too many carbohydrates, especially fructose and having a deficiency in cholesterol and dietary fats as well (2010). Whalley, Starr, and Deary have seen that poor diet, poverty, and failing health are links to developing Alzheimer’s Disease (2004). Furthermore, seeing increase in plasma homocysteine concentration increases risk of Dementia, which can result from an inadequate intake of vitamin B12/folate (Walley et. al, 2004). Additionally, Gray supports Walley’s findings and even believes having an adequate intake of vitamin B12/folate will have a positive effect on the overall health
Alzheimer’s disease is a prominent brain disease that effects a massive amount of individuals in the United States. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases, with no chance of being cured, prevented or decelerating over time (Alzheimer’s Association, 2014). AD is the most well-known form of dementia, causing complications in brain function in the areas of memory, thinking, and behavior (Alzheimer’s Association, 2014). In an effort to gain a deeper understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, researchers create new knowledge about the disease, which is then distributed to the public. The goal in this information disbursement is to find new and inventive ways to treat AD, prevent AD from progressing at such a rapid pace, and aid in the quality of life in those diagnosed with AD as well as caregivers and medical professionals providing treatment to individuals’ with AD.
A brain deteriorates, slowly being engulfed by a mysterious disease. The neurons being cut off and destroyed by two abnormal structures. First memory is affected gradually getting worse. Then one is unable to think properly, reason, and lacks of self control. Gaps are formed in the brain 's ventricles, due to the amount of dead tissue. In the end, it will lead to death. All of this may sound like something from a science fiction movie but infact its very real. These are all known possible symptoms of a common disease that affects about millions of Americans. It is known as Alzheimer 's disease (AD), and I plan on explaining it a bit more in this paper. First I will explain the disease and list some facts about it,then I will talk about some commonly asked questions about it.
Alzheimer 's disease (AD) was discovered by a German doctor Alois Alzheimer in 1906 when he found amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the autopsy of a woman who died of an unknown mental disease. The extracellular amyloid plaque deposits, composed of insoluble amyloid-Beta peptide were hypothesized to be the main etiological factor. “The most important abnormality is an excess of Amyloid-beta peptides brought about through either overproduction or failure in degradation.” (Uzun, Kozumplik, & Folnegović-Smalc, 2011) Later, it was discovered that intracellular neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyper-phosphorylated, helically-paired tau
“There is one thing Alzheimer 's cannot take away, and that is love. Love is not a memory - it 's a feeling that resides in your heart and soul.” (Fade to Blank). The human brain is a remarkably complex organ that processes, stores, and recalls information. “Alzheimer 's disease (AD) is a slowly progressive disease of the brain that is characterized by impairment of memory and eventually by disturbances in reasoning, planning, language, and perception. Many scientists believe that Alzheimer 's disease results from an increase in the production or accumulation of a specific protein (beta-amyloid protein) in the brain that leads to nerve cell death.” (Crystal). It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases, and currently has no cure. (# 3) Research continues to be done to develop better ways to care for those affected with the disease, as well as to find support for family members, friends, and caregivers. Alzheimer’s is a devastating illness that is not a normal part of aging. In order to find a cure, awareness needs to increase to improve understanding, develop effective treatments, and to essentially prevent the disease.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a form of degenerative, fatal dementia, is characterized by progressive cognitive decline. While AD is the most common form of dementia, its prevalence has only recently been recognized. When Alois Alzheimer first described the sequence of changes in 1907, physicians believed the disease to be an extremely rare, mid-life condition. It wasn’t until the 1970’s that the same types of changes were shown to occur in both late- and early-onset forms (Cavanaugh et.al. 2008). As such, almost all knowledge of AD has been learned within the past several decades, with new discoveries being reported almost daily. It is now estimated that Alzheimer’s accounts for as many as 60% of all dementias and affects more than 500,000
The disease called Alzheimer’s is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States (Weiner, 1987). It is estimated that the elderly population will double between now and 2030. During this period, the number of elderly will grow by an average of 2.8% annually (U.S. Census Bureau, 2001). By 2050, the number of people with Alzheimer’s is estimated to range from 11.3 million to 16 million (Alzheimer’s Association, 2005). These startling numbers should prompt an examination into one of the leading causes of death among this group of people. Understanding what Alzheimer’s is and the known causes of the disease are a good starting point. For those who have aging family members, knowing the risk factors and warning
Alzheimer's Disease is a condition that affects 50% of the population over the age of eighty five, which equals four million Americans each year. It is becoming an important and high-profile issue in today's society for everyone. There are rapid advancements being made in the fight against this disease now more than ever, and the purpose of this essay is to educate the public on the background as well as the new discoveries. There are many new drugs that are being tested and studied every day which slow down, and may even halt the progress of the disease.
Psychology is an applied as well as an academic field that studies both the human mind and behavior. The research in psychology attempts to explain and understand behavior, emotion and thought. The subject of psychology was created when Wilhelm Wundt opened up the very first psychology lab in Leipzig, Germany. Wilhelm Wundt believed that individuals who are appropriately trained would most likely be able to recognize the mental processes that are accompanied with feelings, thoughts and sensations (Wagner , 2009).
Alzheimer's disease is a slow progressive disease, and no known treatment can stop this progression. Knowing you will get this disease allows for early planning for the future. I would want to make sure my wishes for where I would live, and who would take care of me, could be voiced before these decisions would have to be made for me. Also, once the symptoms of Alzheimer’s start to become more severe, holding a career becomes more difficult. Finances would have to be planned so that my treatments and care could be paid for without any strain on my family. If I decided not to get tested and later on got diagnosed it would be much harder on myself and my family to deal with these situations in such a short amount of time. One of the biggest
Dementia in older people is a disease that affects the brain of an individual. With the term Alzheimer’s, it’s thought to be something that deals with the memory and other parts of the brain. Researcher of information relating to Alzheimer’s disease therapy is known as a term of developing of symptomatic treatments that also deals with several failures of terms that are being developed by disease modifying therapies. Processing the success and failures of the debate of becoming potential deficiencies of the pathogenesis. While being prescribe with a disease that is dealt with through the choice of therapeutic targets, development of drug candidates, and the design of clinical trials. Knowledge of the cure is dealing with studies such as clinical