Scientists are a step closer to developing a pill to cure dementia.
A team in Belgium were able to repair diseased brain cells taken from patients with a common form of the condition, for which there is no cure.
They identified a gene variant that prevents neurons from forming properly, and managed to correct it through genetic engineering.
The researchers found they could also correct alter the gene a compound that inhibited a chemical responsible for the gene mutation.
They have hailed the discovery a breakthrough, believing it could pave the way for a new ‘dementia pill’.
The study used stem cells from three patients with a type of dementia called ‘frontotemporal dementia’, which accounts for about half of cases diagnosed in patients before the age of 60.
There is currently no cure for this type of the condition, which runs in families.
Frontotemporal disorders are the result of damage to neurons in parts of the brain called the frontal and temporal lobes, gradually leading to behavioural symptoms or language and emotional problems.
Mutations in a gene called GRN (progranulin) are believed to be behind frontotemporal dementia, but versions of the condition in mice do not mimic all the features of the human type.
So the Belgian researchers recreated dementia in a laboratory dish using human iPSCs (induced pluripotent stem cells) to help identify a potential new treatment strategy.
Molecular biologist Professor Catherine Verfaillie, of the Catholic University of Leuven, said: ‘Use of induced pluripotent stem cell technology makes it possible to model dementias that affect people later in life.’
The technique involves taking skin cells from patients and reprogramming them into embryonic like stem cells capable of turning into other specific cell types relevant for studying a particular disease.
Read more: Could a PILL cure dementia? Scientists hail breakthrough after repairing diseased brain cells
The Latest on: Dementia pill
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Dementia pill” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Dementia pill
- 3p pill can cut the risk of developing dementia, study showson May 18, 2024 at 2:57 am
Recent research from the US and Israel has found deficiency in folate (also known as vitamin B9, with its synthetic form being folic acid) was associated with a substantially increased risk of both ...
- DWP demanded thousands of pounds from woman with late-stage dementiaon May 16, 2024 at 12:53 am
READ MORE Warning over lifestyle factors that increase risk of Alzheimer's disease, according to experts READ MORE New research shows 2p pill could stop cancer as well as dementia Despite Rose, a ...
- Dr Michael Mosley says he's taking 2p pill to ward off dementia and canceron May 12, 2024 at 6:38 pm
Dr Michael Mosley, said he is not usually a fan of supplements as a balanced diet should provide all the vitamins you need, but he makes one exemption.
- Dr Michael Mosley advises 2p pill to help reduce risk of dementia and canceron May 12, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Taking the pill works out at 2p per day for the rest ... to absorb it when you get older - and it is crucial for stopping dementia and reduces the risk of colon cancer. Previously Dr Mosley ...
- Dementia and cancer could be prevented by taking 2p pill as Dr Michael Mosley says he's taking iton May 12, 2024 at 3:48 pm
The dieting expert, aged 66, who is known for his 5:2 and Fast 800 eating plans said that it was especially important to take Vitamin D as you get older ...
- Dr Michael Mosley says he's taking 2p pill to stop dementia and canceron May 11, 2024 at 1:46 am
Health expert said there was increasing evidence that the supplement recommended by the NHS can prevent colon cancer and maintain brain health ...
- What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease?on May 9, 2024 at 4:59 pm
Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia. It involves progressive damage to brain cells, resulting in memory loss and a decline in other aspects of thinking. This article looks at the ...
- The Dangers of Ignoring Dementia: How to Deal With Alzheimer's Denialon May 8, 2024 at 4:59 am
Medication overdose is common in seniors with dementia. Even with marked pill dispensers, your loved one could be in danger of poor medication management, since people with cognitive impairment often ...
- Dr Michael Mosley says he will start taking one pill every dayon May 3, 2024 at 5:39 am
Dr Mosley said: "I take 25 mcg (1,000 IU), which is within the limits of what’s considered safe but closer to the sort of doses studies show you need to take to ward off infections, cancers, and maybe ...
- Cancer breakthrough as 2p dementia pill could help stave off disease, research showson April 27, 2024 at 2:54 am
New research has uncovered that a humble 2p pill could be a game-changer in the fight against cancer and dementia. Scientists found a potential connection between vitamin D and a boost in immunity ...
via Bing News