Researchers based at the University of Dundee recently announced that they have found a way to tag and track certain proteins within the brain by looking at a sugar molecule called O-GlcNAc. Not much is understood about the molecule or its role, but it is associated with diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. By tracking this molecule throughout the brain, this team of researchers believes that they can better understand not just these degenerative diseases, but the brain as a whole.
To give you an idea of how prevalent protein is within the brain, each cell in our bodies contains about 20,000 proteins. About 20 percent of all of these contain O-GlcNAc. However, because this molecule is found in cells impacted by Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, various neurological diseases, and even some types of intellectual disabilities, this particular molecule holds a good deal of importance to those that work on the human brain. The working thought is that some sort of disruption of this molecule occurs when these diseases or disabilities occur, forcing the brain to increase production of the molecule. In fact, when researchers increased the levels of this molecule in test models, it seemed to have a therapeutic effect.
One of the things that this study brings to light is just how little we currently know about the human brain. The more scientists learn, the closer we get to finding a cure for things like Alzheimer’s disease. That might still be a long way off, but we are now a step closer. And that’s exciting news!
When a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, or any other type of disability, finding them the right care and supervision can become difficult. It is rare that families know how to safely deal with some of these diseases and even many well intentioned professional caregivers do not have the expertise or experience to correctly care for someone suffering from one of these issues. Finding the perfect caregiver can sometimes seem like an impossible task. Oftentimes, families will rush to a decision because they know that their loved one needs help. Sometimes they will err on the side of giving them too much help, such as placing someone in a nursing home that doesn’t need that level of care. And while these things happen daily, they don’t need to.
That’s where in-home care comes in. In-home care brings the professional to you, allowing your loved one to maintain their freedom and live their life as closely as possible to their old normal. Things won’t be the same, but good care helps keep it as close as possible.
Give us a call if we can help. One of our trained caregivers can help answer your questions and schedule a free consultation. We can help you get started down the road to the ideal care for your loved one. And because all of our caregivers have been thoroughly trained before they head out into the field, you can be assured that they will have the expertise to work with your older loved one and their unique needs.
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