Last week, we received an early Christmas present – we may be one step closer toward understanding the mystery of Alzheimer’s.
The New York Times reports that a study has uncovered a different view of beta amyloid, one of the proteins charged with causing Alzheimer’s. Instead of thinking that a person’s brain with Alzheimer’s produces too much of the protein, the new study finds that the brain is producing a normal amount but not getting rid of the excess, which then forms into sticky plaque-like substances that chokes nerve cells.
Furthermore, the results of this study have researchers exploring whether tau, the other protein charged with causing Alzheimer’s, might play a role in balancing the amount of beta amyloid accumulated in the brain.
The sacrifice of the study participants is beyond inspiring–36 hours with a catheter in their spinal column.
For more on the study’s findings, please visit Insights Give Hope for New Attack on Alzheimer’s [TCV Update 2/14/2022 NYT article, subscription required]
More research is pending. We have reason to hope.
For a little bit JOY, revisit Unique Caregiving Tips for the Holidays. Carol Wright, our Caregiver of the Month of November provided us a photo today that we added to our TIPS to make you laugh.
Thank you to Ann Vanino of Moving Forward Coaching & Consulting for bringing this to the attention of The Caregiver’s Voice.
