Recent statistics show that about 45 percent of people over the age of 85 suffer from Alzheimer's. There is still no cure for this disease, and it is expected that our elderly population grows in numbers, the number of people with this disease are reaching epidemic proportions. This is a scary thought, but there are things that can be done to still try and prevent an impending crisis.The researchers are currently making great strides in learning more about Alzheimer's disease and how to prevent and treat.
A recent line of thought revolves around astrocytes. Astrocytes are cells that control some of the functions in both healthy and diseased brain. They also happen to regenerative functions-something that Alzheimer's is not to supervise the affected brain are able to do on a regular basis. By targeting astrocytes in the treatment of dementia, doctors are hoping that it will help the fight against degenerative features of the disease. In short, if a brain suffering from Alzheimer's, astrocytes become hyperactive.
Previously, scientists thought in this area, that this was a negative aspect of the disease, and it was often thought that this contributed to the mental decline associated with Alzheimer's. In other circles, but some researchers believe that when the presence of astrocytes is reduced amyloid protein deposits and increase Alzheimer's deteriorate at a faster rate. This theory was supported when tested in laboratory mice models. In this light, it seems that the increase is affected in astrocytes in the brain of an Alzheimer's a method of combating the disease and not a negative symptom of the disease.
These researchers are saying that when astrocytes are increased, the disease actually slowed down the progress. The theory is that hyperactive microglia activate astrocytes are the brain's version of a healthy immune system and helps the brain.
The theory behind this type of treatment is pretty solid as it seems, especially in view of the fact that mice with genetically reduced numbers of astrocytes far worse than mice that naturally produce the hyperactive astrocytes were cut off. Nevertheless, the problem here is that the real problem of Alzheimer's disease is not really addressed. This may provide temporary relief from the disease and it may be slowing its spread, but it does not mean the problem on its head. Protein deposits accumulate even-albeit at a slower pace.
If doctors are going to somehow stimulate astrocytes in Alzheimer's patients, it must be applied only a part of the type of treatment. In itself it's not like this will seem permanent relief or cure for the disease. Nevertheless, this is a big step forward in understanding the disease and how it will have positive results in the future....
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