Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute have found that beta amyloid, a substance that is associated with Alzheimer's disease, may originate in the liver, not the brain, and could be treated outside the brain. This could mean more effective treatment or prevention of the disease.
The researcher who led the study, Dr. Greg Sutcliffe, said, "This unexpected finding holds promise for the development of new therapies to fight Alzheimer's. This could greatly simplify the challenge of developing therapies and prevention."
Over 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, and the number is climbing fast as boomers become senior citizens. Absent a cure, experts estimate the cost of Alzheimer's care could reach $20 trillion (Yes, trillion with a T) by the year 2050!
Sutcliffe's team identified three genes that had a high correlation with greater amounts of beta-amyloid in the brain. One of the genes, Presenilin2, is often found in the liver, where it is tied to greater accumulation of beta-amyloid in the brain.
Dr. Sutcliffe believes, because of this research, that significant quantities of beta-amyloid may originate in the liver, circulate in the blood and enter the brain. If so, blocking beta-amyloid formation in the liver could protect the brain.
To test this theory, the Scripps team injected mice with Gleevec, a drug currently used for treating tumors and leukemia. Testing showed dramatically reduced levels of beta-amyloid, not just in the blood, but in the brain, where the drug is blocked.
While this is encouraging news on the Alzheimer's research front, the unasked/unanswered question is who can afford the new drug if it is found to be successful in treating or preventing Alzheimer's?
Novartis, the drug's maker, currently is charging an average $3,100 per month, or almost $40,000 a year for the drug. At these prices, it's easy to understand how Novartis would want to encourage the research for a new use for the drug. But at a $200 billion cost for the current 5 million victims of Alzheimer's, it seems unlikely that it will become the Alzheimer's drug of choice anytime soon.
Unless you have an extra $40,000 to spend every year, forget this one, and focus on affordable nutritional supplements, exercise and a healthy diet to keep your mind intact, at a price that won't bankrupt you.
Start with 30 minutes of walking or other moderate exercise at least five days a week. Next, exercise your brain regularly with activities you already enjoy, such as bridge, crossword puzzles, even learning to play a musical instrument or learning a new language.
Eat a brain-friendly diet with less sugar, fat and processed foods.
Make sure you're getting the nutritional support your brain needs to keep it young, boost your brain's energy and support vital neurotransmitters to help your brain cells communicate. Think of it as insurance for your brain.
