Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
20 April 2015 09:35
Scientists found the drug DFMO can prevent memory loss in mice
A drug currently being trialled to treat cancer has been shown to potentially prevent Alzheimer's disease in mice.
The research, which has been welcomed by the Alzheimer's Society, has been hailed as a breakthrough in finding new treatments for dementia.
Scientists from Duke University in the US discovered that immune cells in the brains of mice with Alzheimer's consumed a vital nutrient called arginine.
However, they were able to halt this process using the drug DFMO, staving off the build-up of dangerous brain plaques and preventing memory loss.
Widespread impact
Dementia currently affects 850,000 people in the UK, but it should not have to stop families from enjoying a holiday.
Alzheimer's travel insurance can tailor policies to suit specific care needs.
New ideas
The latest study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, analysed mice that had been genetically engineered to make their immune systems more similar to humans.
Senior author Carol Colton, professor of neurology at the Duke University School of Medicine, says the research could "open the doors" to thinking about Alzheimer's in a completely different way, and break the "stalemate of ideas".
'Surprising results'
It had previously been thought that in dementia cases the brain releases molecules which send the immune system into overdrive, apparently damaging the brain.
But the study found a heightened expression of genes associated with the suppression of the immune system.
Matthew Kan, who led the study, says the results are surprising because they contradict current thinking about the causes of Alzheimer's disease.
Rodents that had been given the drug DFMO to block arginase, an enzyme that breaks down arginine, were found to perform better in memory tests.
Dementia currently costs the UK economy more than £26 billion each year, and it is feared that around one person every three minutes may develop the disease.
22 February 2019
Just half an hour of exercise every morning could be as effective as drugs at lowering daily blood pressure, research suggests.
[more...]
21 February 2019
A British man accidentally used the wrong passport to fly from Prague to the UK, leaving his friend stranded in the Czech capital.
19 February 2019
Hundreds of passengers have had their travel plans cancelled following the collapse of airline flybmi.
16 February 2019
Holidaymakers were left fuming after a "lack of clarity" over Brexit led a Romanian airline to cancel flights from Liverpool's John Lennon Airport.
15 February 2019
British Airways celebrated Valentine's Day with a special flight where all members of the cabin crew were couples who work for the airline.
14 February 2019
The "concerning" level of stigma surrounding the human papilloma virus (HPV) could be putting some women off going for vital check-ups, campaigners are warning.
13 February 2019
Older people living with depression should be given better access to community activities and therapy instead of being prescribed antidepressants, researchers have urged.
12 February 2019
The Government has been criticised for failing to act on warnings about the link between processed meats and cancer, by the scientist who co-authored the original advice.
09 February 2019
A grandfather who has battled three types of cancer is cycling from Twickenham to Tokyo in time for the Rugby World Cup - all in aid of charity.
08 February 2019
Lovers of traditional fish and chips are embracing a more health-conscious version of their favourite food, a new study suggests.
07 February 2019
Two thirds of UK adults don't know they're able to lower their risk of developing dementia, new research has shown.
06 February 2019
More than 600 people a day are quitting their jobs to care for relatives, a charity has warned.