Today scientists claimed that they have discovered the cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists raised hopes for a cure.
Australian researchers believe their discovery — if proven true in human trials — may ‘enormously benefit our ageing population’.
Researchers found that gene mutations believed to be linked to increased risk could cause brain damage.
University of Adelaide scientists examined genetic mutations in early-onset Alzheimer’s-affected zebrafish.
The DNA mutations in the brain cells of fish meant that their brains used less oxygen. This resulted in their brains not being able to generate enough energy for proper functioning.
Similar evidence on mice supported their theories.
Lead researcher Dr Karissa Barthelson said the team are confident they have found a ‘fundamental, early driver of Alzheimer’s in humans’.
She stated that energy production was the fundamental activity of cells supporting all functions. This is especially true in brains and other highly active organs.
“If we are able to understand why oxygen is not being used and energy production works poorly, it may be possible to prevent the spread of this disease.”
Australian researchers discovered a major factor that could explain the Alzheimer’s disease. The genes responsible for the disorder disrupt the way brain cells use oxygen.
Because of their capacity to produce large numbers offspring, scientists chose zebrafish to study subtle genetic variations.
She also stated that this would be a huge benefit to our ageing population.
Dr Barthelson and colleagues published their findings in the journal Disease Models and Mechanisms.
Alzheimer’s Disease is a brain disorder that results in the death of nerve cells due to abnormal protein buildup.
The brain shrinks and transmitters are disrupted.
Dr Barthelson said that the disease causes a severe deficiency in energy production.
This is the most prevalent type of dementia. It usually affects over-65s, but only one percent of cases occur among younger people.
The team of Dr Barthelson studied Zebrafish due to their large family sizes, making it easy for them to spot subtle effects.
Researchers from another team also conducted similar studies on mice, and the experts found the exact same results.
Dr Barthelson said: ‘This reinforces our confidence that we’ve found a fundamental, early driver of Alzheimer’s in humans.
‘It is very satisfying to have found this important common, early factor driving the development of Alzheimer’s disease.’
The team of researchers now plan to examine how the genes associated with Alzheimer’s impact the the energy generation of different types of brain cells.
About 1million people in the UK have Alzheimer’s disease, with the condition being responsible for the majority of dementia cases in the country,
In the US an estimated 5million people have Alzheimer’s and it is the officially sixth leading cause of death in the country, though more recent estimates have suggested it should now be bumped up to third.