Gene therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease
A new approach to Alzheimer’s disease uses gene therapy to slow down the disease. When tried for the first time in humans, the mental decline from Alzheimer’s slowed. Metabolic brain activity also increased, according to the report in Nature Medicine’s online edition.
The strategy didn’t cure Alzheimer’s disease and isn’t likely to do so, they caution. But if confirmed, it might be “a useful therapy” that could surpass current Alzheimer’s treatments.
Researchers took skin cells called fibroblasts from each patient. In a lab, they genetically modified the cells to make and secrete nerve growth factor (NGF), a naturally occurring protein that prevents nerve cell death and stimulates cell function. The modified cells were then inserted into each person’s brain in a region affected by the disease.
The treatment slowed but didn’t cure or completely stop Alzheimer’s disease progression. Brain imaging scans also showed significant increases in metabolic activity in the brain. That’s the opposite of what usually happens in Alzheimer’s disease, say the researchers.
More studies are needed before this technique is accepted as a standard form of treatment.
References - WebMD, News Medical.Net, Forbes , Nature Medicine
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