Insights Give Hope for New Attack on Alzheimer’s

According to new research post by Gina Kolata from New York Times Magazine regarding new development on the progression of Alzheimer's says it’s not the clumping of amyloids that causes the rapid progression of Alzheimer's but that the brain makes more amyloid then it can dispose of. It is normal for the brain to make amyloid, however researchers are now saying that the "clumping" theorie appears to be wrong. It turns out that most people with Alzheimer’s seem to make perfectly normal amounts of amyloid. They just can’t get rid of it. "It’s like an overflowing sink caused by a clogged drain instead of a faucet that does not turn off". "If researchers could find a way to speed up disposal, perhaps they could slow down or halt the disease. Researchers have also found that amyloid, in its normal small amounts, seems to have a purpose in the brain it may be acting like a circuit breaker to prevent nerve firing from getting out of control. But too much amyloid can shut down nerves, eventually leading to cell death. That means that if amyloid levels were reduced early in the disease, when excess amyloid is stunning nerve cells but has not yet killed them, the damage might be reversed."
I found this article to be an extremely interesting. I find Alzheimer's to be a devastating but fascinating disease, I would love if one day we can find a cure or some form of medication to prolong the disease. It’s a horrible disease to watch your loved one go through, so I hope this is a successful new breakthrough.