Alzheimer’s is a progressive illness that affects an individual’s behavior, thinking and memory. In the early stages, patients present with mild forgetfulness, and this progresses as time goes by, with patients at the late stage losing many physical abilities, among other things.
This common form of dementia affects more than 50 million individuals around the globe. Often, individuals living with the illness are unable to recognize their spouses or even their own children when the illness is in its final stages. While the illness has no cure, this hasn’t deterred researchers from looking for one.
Previous research had determined that the beta-amyloid protein was the cause of Alzheimer’s. However, this may not be the case, with a new study positing that Alzheimer’s may be a disorder of the immune system in the brain instead of a brain disease.
Investigators at the Krembil Brain Institute began their research by carrying out a comprehensive series of in vivo, in vitro and in silico studies evaluating the atomistic–molecular mechanisms of amyloid beta-mediated and cytokine-mediated neurotoxicities in the illness.
Once this was done, the investigators designed and synthesized new chemical entities to examine the pathways identified by these molecular mechanism studies. They determined that beta-amyloid wasn’t an abnormally produced protein, seeing as it was a significant contributor to the comprehensive immune response of the brain.
In their report, the investigators explained that the beta-amyloid protein couldn’t differentiate between host brain cells and invading pathogens and mistakenly attacked brain cells, causing the progressive loss of brain cell function, and leading to dementia. The investigators note that targeting other immune-regulating pathways in the brain will help find effective and new treatment approaches for this illness.
This study was supported by the Krembil Foundation, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, BrightFocus Foundation, and the Toronto General and Western Hospital Foundation, among other institutions.
It is important to acknowledge that this isn’t the only theory looking to explain the disease’s origins either.
A separate theory posits that Alzheimer’s is an illness of the mitochondria, which generate energy needed to power cells in the body. Other researchers suggest that the progressive illness may be caused by the abnormal handling of metals in the brain, possibly iron, copper or zinc. Yet another theory hypothesizes that the illness is caused by a brain infection brought on by bacteria from the mouth.
To help patients living with the illness as well as their families, researchers need to understand the illness better, find what exactly causes it and determine what can be done to treat it. Entities such as Annovis Bio Inc. (NYSE: ANVS) are devoting considerable resources toward searching for an effective way to halt or even reverse the progression of neurodegenerative ailments such as Alzheimer’s. The coming years could yield positive outcomes from their efforts.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Annovis Bio Inc. (NYSE: ANVS) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/ANVS
About BioMedWire
BioMedWire (“BMW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on the latest developments in the Biotechnology (BioTech), Biomedical Sciences (BioMed) and Life Sciences sectors. It is one of 60+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, BMW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, BMW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness.
BMW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.
To receive SMS alerts from BioMedWire, “Biotech” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.BioMedWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the BioMedWire website applicable to all content provided by BMW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.BioMedWire.com/Disclaimer
BioMedWire
San Francisco, CA
www.BioMedWire.com
415.949.5050 Office
Editor@BioMedWire.com
BioMedWire is powered by IBN
