As simple, and as complicated, as it sounds, researchers have recently discovered one of the keys to why degenerative brain disorders occur. Medical researchers have long been baffled by what starts these types of devastating illnesses. However, with a new understanding of what starts disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, there is hope that a method of preventing the development of such illnesses is on the horizon.
What Turns on the Switch
Simply put, the development of degenerative brain disorders actually starts out as a defense mechanism by the brain. Proteins build up along neurons in the brain, which fold incorrectly. These misshapen proteins result in a switch being flipped in brain cells which prevents new proteins from forming. Unfortunately, if the switch does not come back on, brain cells begin to die and the deformed proteins turn into plaques in the brain that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions.
This research, that was tested on mice, not only discovered that the switch exists, but they found they could turn the switch back on, stopping brain cell death. Additionally, they also discovered that communication between brain cells was reestablished and the treated mice lived longer.
Although the research is in the early stages and has only been conducted on mice, it provides hope for the millions of people who have degenerative brain conditions and their families. By understanding what starts the condition, researchers may be able to develop more effective treatments that not only stop these conditions, but even prevent them from developing in the first place.
– The Alternative Daily
