Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a debilitating neurological disorder currently raising alarms in medical communities worldwide. A notable progression in this field has recently been made by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati (IIT-G). They have discovered innovative methods to impede the buildup of neurotoxic molecules within the brain, a phenomenon leading to AD. Below, we delve into their findings, understand the disease, and discuss India’s position and the way forward in managing Alzheimer’s.
The Inception of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease results from an excessive accumulation of amyloid-beta peptides, or neurotoxic molecules, within the brain. These peptides are akin to the plaque that clogs arteries, thereby disrupting blood flow and leading to cardiovascular conditions. The aggregation or accumulation of these peptides involves their layering one over another, thereby distorting the brain’s cortex and resulting in AD. For the peptides to aggregate, they must possess a specific structure.
Preventive Approaches
The IIT-G researchers have proposed two promising methods to curb Alzheimer’s disease. Firstly, they suggest using Trojan Peptides. The aim here is to design a deceitful peptide with “negative syncretical points” to deter plaque formation. The Trojan or deceitful peptide mimics the structure of body peptides but functions opposingly against aggregation. It employs similar deceit tactics to impede amyloid peptide aggregation and lessen nerve cell poisoning, which can result in memory loss. Administering the Trojan peptide intravenously can potentially postpone disease onset by ten years by delaying cell degeneration.
Secondly, applying a low-voltage electric field could prevent the amyloid plaques from aggregating. Modulating peptide molecules through external electric or magnetic fields may limit the probability of developing Alzheimer’s.
Past Developments
Before these findings, back in July 2019, an Indian-American scientist created a preliminary vaccine to tackle Alzheimer’s at the University of New Mexico. This intervention could salvage memory impairments and prevent neuron death via reducing tau tangles. A few months later in November 2019, China greenlit GV-971, a multi-targeting, carbohydrate-based drug – the world’s first of its kind for Alzheimer’s.
About Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s is a neural disorder causing brain cells’ degeneration and death, leading to memory loss, speaking or writing difficulties, poor judgment, personality and mood changes, confusion about time or place, and more. These symptoms start mild and worsen over time. It’s a common cause of dementia among older adults – a group of brain disorders leading to intellectual and social skill loss. The disease, also known as the third type of diabetes, is caused by the formation of proteins called tau tangles or plaques within the brain. These tangled formations disrupt neurons’ communication ability within the brain, exacerbating Alzheimer’s. It’s currently incurable since brain cell death can’t be reversed. Moreover, women bear a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s than men.
The Way Forward
Approximately 100 potential Alzheimer’s drugs failed between 1998 and 2011, making these advancements a significant stride. India, ranked third after China and the USA in the number of Alzheimer’s patients, urgently needs these cures. Along with treatment, it’s crucial for India to define a clear public health strategy focusing on research into degenerative diseases and investing in healthcare personnel training.
