Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder named after German physician, Alois Alzheimer. It is a PROGRESSIVE and FATAL form of dementia which is currently without a cure. Alzheimer’s destroys brain cells, causing severe memory problems. As cells die, they no longer support other areas of the brain, so these areas break down as well rapidly increasing loss of memory. As many as 5 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s.
“Cytokines” are important soluble proteins in the brain. “Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha” (TNF) is a critical Cytokine that works in the brain’s immune system. TNF finely regulates the transmission of neural impulses in the brain.
Elevated levels of TNF in Alzheimer’s interfere with the neural impulse regulation. Excess TNF-alpha have been documented in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Alzheimer’s.
An experiment was performed in 2007, in which scientists injected an anti-TNF therapeutic called “etanercept”(trade name Enbrel) to reduce elevated TNF levels in patients. Enbrel is most commonly used for rheumatoid and arthritis. Results were documented as dramatic, unprecedented therapeutic effect: improvement within minutes of spinal injection.
Many other patients with mild to severe Alzheimer’s have been treated with Enbrel and have all shown sustained and marked improvement.
Visit www.alzheimer.ca to donate to Alzheimer’s Research!
VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76P6Xm3WsEM
Works Cited:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080109091102.htm
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp#early
http://www.alzheimer.ca/english/help/intro.htm
- Alzheimer’s Society
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