Background: Cause
a small error in the genetic blueprint leads to incomplete folding of a protein, which affects its function
Causes plaques of insoluble protein in the extracellular tissue, which cannot be broken down by enzymes
One of the main characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease is the accumulation of plaques in the brain
Background
If the protein folds wrong, these hydrophobic amino acids are exposed and they rapidly seek out and bind to hydrophobic groups on other protein molecules, forming the insoluble aggregates
Background: Treatment
Dementia, side effect mainly characterized by learning and memory loss, mood changes and communication problems
Effective drugs approved by the FDA include donepezil, galanthamine, rivastigmine and memantine, which have modest effects in modifying the symptoms of AD for a relatively short period of time But none of these therapies has any effect on
halting the progression of AD
Current Research: ACA
Preventing or Slowing Down Alzheimer’s: Long-term physical activity may improve the ability
to learn Engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as
reading or doing crossword puzzles, Foods rich in vitamin E—vegetable oils, nuts, green
leafy vegetables and whole grains—reduce oxidative damage
Fish oil and alpha lipoic acid may affect inflammation, high cholesterol levels, and oxidative stress
A Chinese herb called huperzine A has shown some Alzheimer’s-fighting properties, as well, by improving memory in elderly people
HUP-A Research
Huperzia serrata (Thunb) Trev (Qian Ceng Ta) is mainly distributed in northeastern, southern and southwestern China
Hup A administration enhances learning and memory in intact adult rodents, aged rodents and monkeys
Most potent natural product or medicine approved by the FDA to treat AD