An Alzheimer’s patient may be able to have synaptic connections restored even with plaques and tangles already in his or her brain
The first experimental drug to boost brain synapses lost in Alzheimer’s disease has been developed by researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute. The drug, called NitroMemantine, combines two FDA-approved medicines to stop the destructive cascade of changes in the brain that destroys the connections between neurons, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline.
The decade-long study, led by Stuart A. Lipton, M.D., Ph.D., professor and director of the Del E. Webb Center for Neuroscience, Aging, and Stem Cell Research, who is also a practicing clinical neurologist, shows that NitroMemantine can restore synapses, representing the connections between nerve cells (neurons) that have been lost during the progression of Alzheimer’s in the brain. The research findings are described in a paper published June 17 by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS).
The focus on a downstream target to treat Alzheimer’s, rather than on amyloid beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles—approaches which have shown little success—“is very exciting because everyone is now looking for an earlier treatment of the disease,” Lipton said. “These findings actually mean that you might be able to intercede not only early but also a bit later.” And that means that an Alzheimer’s patient may be able to have synaptic connections restored even with plaques and tangles already in his or her brain.
Targeting lost synapses
In their study, conducted in animal models as well as brain cells derived from human stem cells, Lipton and his team mapped the pathway that leads to synaptic damage in Alzheimer’s. They found that amyloid beta peptides, which were once thought to injure synapses directly, actually induce the release of excessive amounts of the neurotransmitter glutamate from brain cells called astrocytes that are located adjacent to the nerve cells.
Normal levels of glutamate promote memory and learning, but excessive levels are harmful. In patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, excessive glutamate activates extrasynaptic receptors, designated eNMDA receptors (NMDA stands for N-methyl-D-aspartate), which get hyperactivated and in turn lead to synaptic loss.
The Latest Bing News on:
Alzheimer’s
- TV tonight: the first family in the world to be diagnosed with heriditary Alzheimer’son May 12, 2024 at 9:20 pm
A documentary charts a profound moment in the understanding of Alzheimer’s. Plus: more twists in the case of disgraced millionaire Robert Durst. Here’s what to watch this evening ...
- Utahn may be on verge of a significant breakthrough in treating Alzheimer’son May 12, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Still, scientific research takes time and money. With dwindling amounts of both when she came to the University of Utah (Alzheimer’s research isn’t her only iron in the fire), Cross confesses she was ...
- Free Alzheimer's education conference set for May 15on May 12, 2024 at 1:55 pm
As part of its 2024 nation Education America Tour, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America is offering Utahns to spend a few hours on Wednesday [May 15] learning more from experts in the field of ...
- Tips for traveling with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s: Melissa Zapanta-Sheltonon May 12, 2024 at 9:14 am
As we head into graduation and summer vacation season, here are a few tips for ensuring a smooth travel experience for friends or family members living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
- Nutrition and Alzheimer's disease may be linked, study findson May 12, 2024 at 3:45 am
Malnutrition may increase a person’s chances of contracting Alzheimer’s disease, which in turn exacerbates malnutrition. That’s according to a March 2024 study out of China published in Frontiers ...
- How to watch 'The Jennings vs Alzheimer's' online from anywhereon May 12, 2024 at 12:17 am
Experts did not believe Alzheimer's to be a hereditary condition until Carol Jennings sent them a letter in 1986. Here's how to watch this moving doc from anywhere ...
- 'I'm a Neurologist, and This Is My Go-To Dinner For Alzheimer's Prevention'on May 11, 2024 at 4:25 am
Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, according to an Alzheimer's Association report released in 2024. Diets are usually included in first-line advice for reducing your ...
- Alzheimer’s Disease May Be Inherited More Often Than Previously Thoughton May 10, 2024 at 10:03 pm
Share on PinterestExperts say genetic testing can be important in determining treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Morsa Images/Getty Images Scientists say they have discovered that a familial form of ...
- Young People with Diabetes May Face Higher Alzheimer's Riskon May 10, 2024 at 12:47 am
A new study suggests that early-onset diabetes may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Controlling diabetes with lifestyle changes or medication may help lower dementia risk, experts say.
- - Stave Off Alzheimer’s: Neurologist Reveals Key Prevention Strategieson May 9, 2024 at 11:14 pm
In countries with a high life expectancy - including Germany - the number of people with dementia is rising significantly. With 60 to 70 percent, Alzheimer’s dementia is the most common form, with ...
The Latest Google Headlines on:
Alzheimer’s
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Alzheimer’s” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
The Latest Bing News on:
Restoring synapses
- Huntsville city leaders talk plans to address storm damageon May 9, 2024 at 8:33 pm
After an EF-1 tornado hit Huntsville Wednesday, the focus now turns to addressing the damage. City leaders gathered Thursday afternoon to discuss what those recovery efforts will look like in the ...
- Why restoring trust in science starts with art, history and educationon May 6, 2024 at 2:30 am
For Dr. Frederic Bertley, there’s a subtle connectedness among the seemingly disparate in the world. That connectedness underpins both his own understanding of the sciences, and his strategy as ...
- Stream Usurp Synapse’s First New Music In 20 Yearson May 4, 2024 at 10:54 am
Last year, Usurp Synapse reunited for their first shows in 19 years. Yesterday, the Indiana screamo group released Polite Grotesqueries, their first EP in 20 years. The band — made up of Antonio ...
- Competition at silent synapses in reinnervated skeletal muscleon April 24, 2024 at 8:48 am
restoring about half the original complement of SN motor nerve terminals; however, synapse elimination continued at a significant subset of the neuromuscular junctions, despite the chronic nerve ...
- SoftBank-backed TabaPay is buying the assets of a16z-backed Synapse, after it filed for bankruptcyon April 22, 2024 at 8:37 am
After a tumultuous year, banking-as-a-service (BaaS) startup Synapse has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and its assets will be acquired by TabaPay, according to the two companies. The deal is ...
- Water Damage Restoration Vs. Water Mitigation: What’s The Difference?on April 18, 2024 at 7:44 am
But sometimes, unwanted water makes its way into the living space. Water mitigation and water damage restoration are two key methods of controlling and fixing damage from a water event such as ...
- How Much Does Fire Damage Cleanup And Restoration Cost In 2024?on April 18, 2024 at 4:01 am
If you’ve experienced a house fire but your home’s structure is intact, you’ll still need fire damage restoration before you can safely move back in. The national average cost of fire damage ...
- Spinogenix Announces U.S. FDA Approval of its Investigational New Drug Application for its Phase 2a Clinical Trial of SPG601 for Fragile X Syndromeon April 15, 2024 at 12:59 am
SAN DIEGO, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spinogenix, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering first-in-class therapeutics that restore synapses to improve the lives of ...
- Spinogenix Announces U.S. FDA Approval of its Investigational New Drug Application for its ...on April 14, 2024 at 5:00 pm
SAN DIEGO, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spinogenix, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering first-in-class therapeutics that restore synapses to improve the lives of ...
- restoration: The Latest Architecture and Newson April 8, 2024 at 5:00 pm
The main role of architecture is to create structures that protect us from the environment and create spaces that are safe and comfortable for all types of needs and activities. By providing ...
The Latest Google Headlines on:
Restoring synapses
[google_news title=”” keyword=”restoring synapses” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]