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Japanese Scientists Make Alzheimers Progress

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the headway-for-head-drugs dept.

grammar fascist writes "The AP wire reports that Japanese medical researchers have developed a DNA-based vaccine that reduces the brain plaque beta amyloid without the severe brain inflammation that plagued successes in 2002. From the story 'The deposits have been cut by between 15.5 percent and 38.5 percent in mice, with no major side effects, researchers said Monday in the online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences [...] If all goes well, this type of treatment might be available for people in six or seven years, [lead researcher Yoh Matsumoto] said.'"

8 of 155 comments (clear)

  1. My Grandma by Sergeant+Beavis · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Can't wait six or seven years....

    SO GET CRACKIN!

    Fortunately, she can still remember everyone (after thinking about it for a few minutes), but she forgets what happened 2 minutes ago and gets easily confused. As you might suspect, she has to be cared for 24/7. Fortunately my Grandpa can be there for her. Unfortunately, a 90 year old man with a good brain still has a failing body to deal with.

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    1. Re:My Grandma by jamesh · · Score: 3, Insightful

      I know it's a very sensitive issue, but why don't they have programs to test medications like this on people are basically doomed anyway. You don't get better from alzheimers disease. Sometimes you stop getting worse, but you don't get better.

      I'd be quite happy to sign something now to the effect of "if I have dementia to the point where I don't even know who I am any more, and there is a potential cure or treatment, sign me up.". If it kills me, or shortens my remaining life then I haven't really lost much, those around me will have gained something as caring for someone like that is a huge burden (and often significantly shortens the life of the spouse if they are still alive), and will benefit the scientists who are testing the treatment, even if its "oh well... so it doesn't work on people afterall".

      It's probably a bit late to ask me once my mind is gone though.

      With alzheimers though, can they tell yet if it's that or something else without taking your brain out of year head and chopping it up? I remember quite a few years (>10) ago when I had a relative who was thus aflicted, there was lots of initial misdiagnosises (or whatever the plural of that word is), and they basically said that they only way to be sure was to wait until the patient had passed away.

  2. Re:Alzheimers Prevention by DigiShaman · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Even if they can cure it, the damage to the brain has already been done. We are talking about major brain tissue loss here. I doubt even stem cell therapy would help much depending how much damage you've taken.

    Look at it this way. If you have Alzheimers, you're screwed! It's one of the many risks of being Human when you get older.

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  3. Re:Alzheimer's Programs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

    you do realize that for each overweight drug addict that died from viox, more then 100 got their only chance at enjoying life without constant pain? Ooops, CNN and the NY Times didn't want you to think about that, only that good Lawyers are saving us from the Evil Capitalists.

  4. Re:Alzheimers Prevention by blank89 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    A cure wouldn't necessarily have to reverse the Alzheimers process, just halt it (rather than slowing it down). It's true that even then for the cure to be effective the disease would have to be caught in time. What is really needed, even with the drugs that slow down the decaying effect, is a better diagnosis plan.

  5. Re:Biotech vs. IT Careers by jcr · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Dying from emphysema isn't a more pleasant alternative.

    -jcr

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  6. Re:Aluminum... by Emnar · · Score: 2, Insightful
    Please cite a reference, since Google doesn't back you up.
    I'm not sure about the GP's story, but here are two web references:

    National Institute of Health:

    Epidemiological studies attempting to link AD with exposures in drinking water have been inconclusive and contradictory. Thus, the significance of increased aluminum intake with regard to onset of AD has not been determined.

    Alzheimer's Society (UK):

    The overwhelming medical and scientific opinion is that the findings outlined above do not convincingly demonstrate a causal relationship between aluminium and Alzheimer's disease, and that no useful medical or public health recommendations can be made, at least at present.

    It appears the consensus from reputable sites is that we don't know, and there's no consistent correlation that's shown up in studies so far.

  7. No major side effects by GmAz · · Score: 2, Insightful

    What about the minor ones. I am sorry, but violent vomiting, diaherrea, abdominal cramping, bleeding from somewhere, migraines, and all that other stuff considered minor side effects aren't worth it. Live in pain and agony or live with Alzheimers. Plus the vaccine only helps a little. Its a great start, but lets stop it 100%.

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