Testing Memory

A Good Virus for Alzheimer's

Here is some good news on the Alzheimer's front. Scientists have developed a way to speed up the creation of Nerve Growth Factor "NGF" in the brain. More NGF means better memory performance. It can even, in theory, reverse some of the effects of Alzheimer's.

Here is how it works: A virus is redesigned with a specialized gene that generates NGF. This virus is then injected into the basal forebrain where memory cells are located. These virus particles then "infect" the memory cells and change their DNA to cause them to start producing more NGF. NGF then works its magic to maintain and protect memory cells.

Dr Roy A.E. Bakay at Rush University Medical Center is conducting trials of this technique and there is some evidence that it may be effective. Results could be available within one year.

Because this is a relatively simple technique, if it works, it could quickly become commonplace as a way to slow the progression of Alzheimer's. We can then thank the good doctors and the brave pioneers who volunteered for this study. We can thank them in any case.

posted by Henry Bowles @ 2:14 PM