Dr. Song Weihong, the chief researcher on Alzheimer's Disease in Canada, along with Chinese experts, spent nearly 10 years studying a case in China, discovering a previously unpublished genetic mutation related to Alzheimer's, thus identifying a new target for treatment and bringing new breakthroughs in the development of medication for this disease. However, Dr. Song admitted that there is still a long way to go before a cure for Alzheimer's can be developed.
Dr. Song Weihong, who is a professor of psychiatry at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and a senior advisor to the university in China, stated in an exclusive interview with the Sing Tao Daily on Friday, that with the aging population, Alzheimer's Disease, commonly referred to as dementia, is becoming increasingly prevalent.
Among individuals aged 65 and older, an average of 1 in 9 is affected, and for those over 80, the incidence rate reaches 30% to 50%, which is why research institutions around the world are making every effort to find medication for this disease, but unfortunately, success has not yet been achieved. Currently, the medications taken by Alzheimer's patients were developed 15 years ago, which can only delay the progression of the disease, and can be said to be "palliative rather than curative."
Toxic proteins disrupt brain nerve cells
Dr. Song pointed out that the characteristic of Alzheimer's patients is the presence of toxic amyloid beta proteins in the brain, which leads to the death of nerve cells related to memory, thus being identified as a brain disease.
Earlier, research found an enzyme in the human body called "senescence-accelerating factor" that can inhibit amyloid beta. At that time, scientists thought they could find medication for Alzheimer's through this, but later discovered that while the senescence-accelerating factor could inhibit amyloid beta, it also interfered with another protein, Notch, which is crucial for the development of brain cells. When scientists tested new drugs, they found that the new drugs not only failed to effectively delay the progression of Alzheimer's but also produced unacceptable side effects, ultimately leading to the failure of the new drug development.
Dr. Song stated that about 10 years ago, he and Professor Sun Xiulian from Shandong University discovered in a case of a Chinese family with a history of Alzheimer's that the patients had a previously unseen genetic mutation, and this mutation's senescence-accelerating factor, unlike other previously discovered senescence-accelerating factors, does not interfere with Notch.
Dr. Song indicated that this discovery provides scientists with a new target in the research of Alzheimer's medication, which has the potential to develop a drug that can inhibit amyloid beta without producing side effects. However, he admitted that it is still unknown how long it will take to develop a cure for Alzheimer's.
The research report has been published in the British scientific journal "Molecular Psychiatry."
Dr. Song stated that many people ask him how to prevent Alzheimer's, and he does not have a definitive answer, but citizens can take two approaches: first, maintain a balanced diet and avoid picky eating; second, engage in regular exercise, as both physical and mental exercises are important.
He suggests that the elderly should not isolate themselves and should engage in more social activities, including chatting with others, as this can help reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer's.
