Brain cell death is associated with severe memory loss. This happens with stroke victims and Alzheimer’s patients, especially. Studies have shown us that active brain cells help to prevent this memory impairment from happening in some cases. However, a recent study has taken this line of investigation another step further. Led by Dr. Hilmar Bading, a new study has shown indications that there is a central mechanism and a key molecule that helps shield neurons even more effectively. When brain cells are active, they can counteract the cellular death that leads to further deterioration of memory and physical abilities.
Called the NMDA receptor, this molecule is set in motion by chemicals called neurotransmitters, and it has a profound impact upon mental health. It allows calcium to enter cells and this acts as a protection for at risk cells. This has been known for a few years, but how and why it works has been unclear. Scientists now believe that they know the answer. When NMDA receptors are not located near the synapses of at risk cells, the protection is not provided and cellular death can occur unchecked. The synapse is the part of the brain cell that can send and receive messages, and if it is a fraction of a millimeter out of position, the disease will grow through the brain.
A protein called activin A is the catalyst that has been shown to activate the process. This protein is already well known as it is present in menstruating women and when wounds are healing. In this light, it makes sense that it would also help with the protection and healing of brain cells. Thankfully, it is naturally produced in healthy brains. Finding a way to increase levels of this protein in a safe manner could go a long way toward helping dementia patients to stay healthier for longer. This is still an area that needs more research, but this study has opened the doors for new opportunities to improve the levels of care that dementia patients are receiving. This is a process that could take several years, but it is still an exciting development in this difficult field of study. At the very least, it provides future researchers with a clear direction of where they should focus their efforts.
If you have an elderly loved one suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or some other sort of physical or mental impairment, you might feel helpless to get them the care that they need. There are a number of solutions that can help your loved one and your entire family. In-home care is one of the first things that you should be considering. It is low cost, low impact on your family, and allows you to enjoy their company for longer. It’s not ideal for each case, but in-home care is usually the best choice when you are beginning your search for senior care. Dementia care can be quite stressful, and having the right care for your elderly loved ones will go a long way toward helping everyone involved.
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