Other approaches likely to trump stem cells in Alzheimer's research, experts say

Max · 06-20-2004, 01:39 PM

Other approaches likely to trump stem cells in Alzheimer's research, experts say

By: MALCOLM RITTER - Associated Press

NEW YORK ---- Despite the high profile that Nancy Reagan and others have given the idea of using embryonic stem cells to treat Alzheimer's disease, advances are likely to come faster from other approaches.

Experts cite other more promising efforts that in five to 10 years may be used to fight the disease that led to President Reagan's death.

"I just think everybody feels there are higher priorities for seeking effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease and for identifying preventive strategies," said Marilyn Albert, a Johns Hopkins University researcher who chairs the Medical and Scientific Advisory Council of the Alzheimer's Association.

Stem cells from human embryos can form all types of cells, and the hope is that they one day could be used to replace cells damaged from such conditions as diabetes, spinal cord injury or Parkinson's disease. But experts say Alzheimer's, by the very nature of how it attacks the brain, would pose a far more daunting challenge to that approach.

"There's an awful lot going on right now that perhaps holds a little bit more immediate promise for trying to slow the disease, or even cut off its development," said Marcelle Morrison-Bogorad, associate director of the National Institute on Aging's neuroscience and neuropsychology of aging program.

She and Albert cited, for example, efforts to attack the buildup of clumps of protein called amyloid in the brain, and methods for spotting the disease early. That research will probably pay off in five or 10 years, earlier than any expected advances from stem cells, Albert said, because so much has to be learned about how to make stem cells useful against the disease.

"All the more reason we should start (stem-cell efforts) now, because it's going to take a long time," she said.

About 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's, a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and ability to learn, reason, communicate and do everyday activities. Patients die on average eight years after symptoms appear, although the disease can linger for 20 years.

"What you're dealing with here is a mind in disarray," Morrison-Bogorad said. Connections between brain cells are being lost, neurons are dying and becoming dysfunctional, the amyloid plaques are building up between brain cells, and protein tangles are showing up within cells. And there is inflammation.

"It's just a mess in there," she said. "But the mess means there are so many targets for intervention."

The amyloid plaques have emerged as a favorite target, and scientists and drug companies around the world are studying ways to prevent or destroy them.

One high-profile approach is a vaccine that primes the body to attack amyloid. Studies on animals were encouraging, but in 2002, a study on people was halted when several vaccine recipients developed brain inflammation. Last year, researchers reported that the vaccine did appear to reduce the accumulation of plaques in one study participant.

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2004..._286_19_04.txt

antiquity · 06-20-2004, 04:20 PM

Thanks Max.

Dr. Young commented on this article here.

06-20-2004, 01:39 PM	#1
Max Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Montreal,Province of Quebec, CANADA Posts: 15,036	Other approaches likely to trump stem cells in Alzheimer's research, experts say Other approaches likely to trump stem cells in Alzheimer's research, experts say By: MALCOLM RITTER - Associated Press NEW YORK ---- Despite the high profile that Nancy Reagan and others have given the idea of using embryonic stem cells to treat Alzheimer's disease, advances are likely to come faster from other approaches. Experts cite other more promising efforts that in five to 10 years may be used to fight the disease that led to President Reagan's death. "I just think everybody feels there are higher priorities for seeking effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease and for identifying preventive strategies," said Marilyn Albert, a Johns Hopkins University researcher who chairs the Medical and Scientific Advisory Council of the Alzheimer's Association. Stem cells from human embryos can form all types of cells, and the hope is that they one day could be used to replace cells damaged from such conditions as diabetes, spinal cord injury or Parkinson's disease. But experts say Alzheimer's, by the very nature of how it attacks the brain, would pose a far more daunting challenge to that approach. "There's an awful lot going on right now that perhaps holds a little bit more immediate promise for trying to slow the disease, or even cut off its development," said Marcelle Morrison-Bogorad, associate director of the National Institute on Aging's neuroscience and neuropsychology of aging program. She and Albert cited, for example, efforts to attack the buildup of clumps of protein called amyloid in the brain, and methods for spotting the disease early. That research will probably pay off in five or 10 years, earlier than any expected advances from stem cells, Albert said, because so much has to be learned about how to make stem cells useful against the disease. "All the more reason we should start (stem-cell efforts) now, because it's going to take a long time," she said. About 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's, a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and ability to learn, reason, communicate and do everyday activities. Patients die on average eight years after symptoms appear, although the disease can linger for 20 years. "What you're dealing with here is a mind in disarray," Morrison-Bogorad said. Connections between brain cells are being lost, neurons are dying and becoming dysfunctional, the amyloid plaques are building up between brain cells, and protein tangles are showing up within cells. And there is inflammation. "It's just a mess in there," she said. "But the mess means there are so many targets for intervention." The amyloid plaques have emerged as a favorite target, and scientists and drug companies around the world are studying ways to prevent or destroy them. One high-profile approach is a vaccine that primes the body to attack amyloid. Studies on animals were encouraging, but in 2002, a study on people was halted when several vaccine recipients developed brain inflammation. Last year, researchers reported that the vaccine did appear to reduce the accumulation of plaques in one study participant. http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2004..._286_19_04.txt

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06-20-2004, 04:20 PM	#2
antiquity Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 14,540	Thanks Max. Dr. Young commented on this article here.