As the general population ages, Alzheimer's disease becomes more and more common.THE PREVIOUS SENTENCE SINCE IT IS THE TOPIC SENTENCE SHOULD HAVE ENOUGH INFO IN IT TO GENERALLY INTRODUCE THE REST OF THE PARAGRAPH.WILL YOU ONLY TALK ABOUT ALZHEIMERS BECOMING MORE COMMON IN THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES? People living into their 90's have a 50-50% chance of developing the disease.The disease is progressive, usually reaching full development over a decade.Techniques to cure the disease once it is present have been largely unsuccessful due to a fierce immune system response from the body. SPECIFY THE TECHNIQUES AND THE RESPONSE OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEMHence, most current research such as that reviewed in New Alzheimer's Treatments That May Ease the Mindfocus on preventative treatment. SUCH AS?
There are several distinct structural characteristics represented in the brains of people suffering form Alzheimer’s disease:Wide-spread brain inflammation, shrinkage of over-all brain tissue mass, injury caused by oxidation, ventricle enlargement, and severe swelling caused by an immune response from a build-up of proteins called B amyloid.It is clumps of these proteins found on the ends of degenerated neurons that make up the string-like maze between hemispheres often found during autopsy of deceased Alzheimer's patients.
OK YOU NEED TO RE-READ THE ASSIGNMENT THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE ONLY A 2 PARAGRAPH ASSIGNMENT. ALSO THE SECOND PARAGRAPH IS SUPPOSED TO COMPARE AND CONTRAST THE ARTICLE W/THE BOOK. YOU MUST READ AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS PROVIDED.IT DOES LOOK LIKE YOU HAVE LOTS OF ARTICLE INFO BELOW BE SURE THAT IT MAKES IT INTO THE FIRST PARAGRAPH
The protein is made up of two enzymes, b-secretase and y-secretase.Because some of the other structural abnormalities (inflammation) seemed to be caused by the build-up of this B amyloid protein, (who's normal function is unknown), most therapies under investigation concentrate on curbing its production.
The majority of research is concerned with finding a y-secretase inhibitor.Fewer studies are concentrating on the other half of the protein, the enzyme B-secretase because success with the enzyme has been limited.Most research is directed towards the individual enzymes because the protein as a whole when attacked triggers a dangerous T-Cell immune system response that is thought to be the cause of the overall brain inflammation characteristic in the disease.
One study that focused on developing a vaccine to employ the whole B-amyloid protein itself to rid the brain of its over-production ended in a disappointing conclusion.Phase I of clinical trials were successful with no side effects reported.When Phase II was run with 375 patients (a good-size sample for an Alzheimer's study), the trials had to be stopped after 5% of the participants were diagnosed with meningoencephalitis, a severe and possibly fatal swelling of the brain.Some researchers believe that perhaps a vaccine could be developed from a smaller piece of the protein or from one of the enzymes that may not produce such a strong immune reaction.
Other research has considered treating the protein build-up with analgesics; specifically NSAID's (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).In studies involving cultured cells, some NSAID's dampen the B amyloid production while others seem to enhance it.The first clinical trails are just now starting, but opponents argue that since the brain inflammation seems to be caused by the build up of B amyloid protein, then it is the protein itself that should be targeted.
As Alzheimer's disease diagnosis increases with the aging population, the demand for preventative medicine will increase as well.Current research seems to at least understand the make-up and growth of the most damaging aspect of the disease, the B-amyloid protein. We all can only hope that the leaders in the field are on the verge of manipulating the production of it.
.References
New Alzheimer's Treatments That May Ease the Mind.Science, 297 p.1260-1262. American Association for the Advancement of Science: New York. 2002
Protecting the Brain While
Killing Pain?Science,
297 p.1262-1264.American American
Association for the Advancement of Science: New York.2002