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July 4, 2018
Scientists have discovered a potential approach to treating one of the most common causes of dementia and stroke in the elderly.
Studies with rats have shown that treatment can reverse changes in the badociated blood vessels. The treatment also prevents brain cell damage caused by these changes in the blood vessels, which gives hope that it could offer a cure for dementia.
Small vessel disease is a major cause of dementia and can also worsen the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. It is responsible for almost half of the cases of dementia in the UK and is a leading cause of stroke, accounting for about one in five cases.
VM patients are diagnosed from scintigraphies which detect the lesions of the white matter.
Until now, it was not known how changes in the small blood vessels in the brain badociated with MV can cause damage to brain cells.
A team led by the University of Edinburgh discovered that MVP occurs when the cells lining the small blood vessels in the brain become dysfunctional. This allows them to secrete a molecule in the brain.
The molecule stops the production of the protective layer surrounding brain cells – called myelin – which causes brain damage.
Treatment of rats with drugs that prevent cells from blood vessels dysfunction reversed the symptoms of vesicular disease of the pig and prevented brain damage, tests were found.
The researchers say that other studies will have to test whether the treatment also works when the disease is firmly established. They will also need to check if the treatment can reverse the symptoms of dementia.
Dementia is one of the biggest problems in society because people are living longer and the population is aging. Estimates indicate that there are nearly 47 million people with dementia worldwide and that the number is expected to double every 20 years, reaching more than 115 million in 2050.
The research, published in Science Translational Medicine was conducted at the Regenerative Medicine Research Center of the Medical Research Council and at the UK Dementia Research Institute of the University of Edinburgh. Professor Anna Williams, group leader at the MRC's Center for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, said, "This important research helps us understand why small vessel disease occurs, by providing It also shows that these changes may be reversible, which opens the door to potential treatments.
Dr. Sara Imarisio, Head of Research at Alzheimer's Research The United Kingdom said: "Changes in blood supply in the brain play an important role in the disease. 39. Alzheimer's and are a direct cause of vascular dementia.This pioneering research highlights a molecular link between changes in small blood vessels in the brain and isolate the "white substance" that helps nerve cells to send signals around the
"The results highlight a promising direction for the search for treatments that could limit the adverse effects of changes in blood vessels and help maintain nerve cells longer. There is currently no medication that slows or stops Alzheimer's disease and no treatment to help people living with vascular dementia. Alzheimer Research UK is very pleased to have contributed to the funding of this innovative research, which is only possible thanks to the hard work of our dedicated volunteers.
Dr. Nathan Richardson, Chief of Molecular and Cellular Medicine at the MRC, commented: An excellent example of how innovative discovery science in regenerative mechanisms can be applied to improve our understanding of how whose vascular changes contribute to dementia. This research in rats opens new possibilities for developing therapies for the disease of small cerebral vessels. "
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