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Alzheimer's, Dementia & Mental Health
Research Solves Mystery of Stroke Patients’
Vulnerability to Alzheimer’s
It can develop many years after recovery from the
stroke
June 4, 2007 – Scientist have known there is a link
between Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. Now, researchers at the
University of Leeds have discovered that it is an incident of reduced
oxygen to the brain – caused by the stroke – that can leave stroke
patient’s vulnerable to the gradual build-up of toxic chemicals which
can cause Alzheimer’s. And, it can take years or even decades after
recovery from the stroke.
The research was led by Professor Chris Peers of
the University’s school of medicine, who explained: “Our research is
looking into what happens when oxygen levels in the brain are reduced by
a number of factors, from long-term conditions like emphysema and
angina, to sudden incidents such as a heart attack, stroke or even head
trauma. Even though the patient may outwardly recover, the hidden cell
damage may be irreversible.
“It could even be an issue for people who snore
heavily, whose sleep patterns are such that there will be times in the
night when their brain is hypoxic – deprived of sufficient oxygen. It
can be anything that stops the heart and lungs working together to their
optimal capabilities.”
The research centred on the damage done by these
low-oxygen incidents to a group of brain cells called astrocytes. When
the brain is functioning normally, it makes connections through the
release of tiny amounts of chemical across the synapses. Once the
chemical has been transmitted, it is “mopped up” by the astrocytes.
The Leeds team – which also includes Dr John Boyle
in the Faculty of Medicine and Health and Dr Hugh Pearson of the Faculty
of Biological Sciences – has shown that if at some point the astrocytes
have become hypoxic, they are less able to mop up these transmitters,
allowing the residual chemicals to accumulate and become toxic.
“This is an important factor in what’s going on in
hypoxic brains,” said Prof Peers, whose work received funding from the
Alzheimer’s Society and the Alzheimer’s Research Trust. “Astrocytes are
just as essential as neurones for normal brain function – and we have
ten times as many of them.”
Professor Susanne Sorensen, head of research at the
Alzheimer's Society, added: "The team examined the role of cells that
support neurones in the brain. This is exciting because rather than
focussing on neurones they looked at processes in the brain, which until
now have not be researched in so much detail."
In another project, the team is investigating two
key signalling molecules which are very sensitive to fluctuations in
oxygen levels. The scientists suspect that in low oxygen conditions
these molecules could begin the increased production of a toxic protein
called amyloid which builds up in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.
The work at Leeds is part of a network of research
projects nationally and internationally, which are adding to the sum of
knowledge about a disease which costs the UK more than cancer, heart
disease and stroke combined.
There are around 700,000 people in the UK currently
suffering with dementia – a figure that is set to more than double by
2050, simply because we are living longer. And the disparity between
funding levels for research into different conditions is stark, as Prof
Peers explained: “For every cancer patient in this country, between £300
and £400 is spent every year on research. For Alzheimer’s sufferers it
is closer to £15, yet sufferers can need full-time care for the last 20
to 30 years of their lives, so any research into intervention can be
really cost-effective in the long term.”
Editor’s Notes:
Around 700,000 people in the UK – including 20
per cent of those aged over 80 – have a form of dementia. Alzheimer’s
disease accounts for more than half of these. Alzheimer’s is not a
normal, unavoidable part of getting older, but a fatal and incurable
brain disease. It can take 30 years to develop. Beyond the age of 65,
your chance of developing Alzheimer’s doubles every five years.
The Alzheimer's Research Trust is a UK dementia
research charity dedicated to finding ways to treat, cure or prevent
Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy Body disease and fronto-temporal
dementias. With no government funding it relies on public donations to
fund its vital research. The Trust provides free information to the
public on dementia and the treatments currently available. Call 01223
843899 or visit
www.alzheimers-research.org.uk
The Alzheimer's Society works across the UK to
champion the rights of people living with dementia and those who care
for them. As a charity, the society depends on the generosity of the
public to help it care, research and campaign for people with dementia.
You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting
www.alzheimers.org.uk. The UK Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline
number is 0845 300 0336 or visit
www.alzheimers.org.uk
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