In a major breakthrough in the field of medicine which brings hope to the millions of Alzheimer’s patients across the world. Israeli and Italian scientists have discovered a new way to fight the disorder by targeting a harmful protein in its early stages.
Most treatments for Alzheimer’s have targeted to stop a different form of protein, called amyloid beta (A-beta). But now studies indicate that it’s an early version of A-beta that causes the most damage to the brain, leading to memory loss and other symptoms.
Although there is no treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, which affects a patient’s memory, critical thinking and behavior. Mainly, treatment focuses on managing the symptoms and improving the quality of life.
Professor Shai Rahimipour, of Bar-Ilan University in Ramat Gan along with Italian scientists Professors Angelo Monguzzi and Marcello Campione, from the University of Milano-Bicocca, developed nanoparticles capable of identifying and attacking A-beta proteins in both early and late stages. The findings were published in the reputed journal, Advanced Healthcare Materials, and show promise for slowing down the progression of Alzheimers in people with mild memory problems.
The researchers explained that the nanoparticles first attach to the A-beta. When activated by ultra-low energy X-rays, the nanoparticles inhibit the A-beta from clumping together and also lower the toxicity of the proteins.
This method could enable doctors to specifically target and irradiate brain regions affected by Alzheimer’s, reducing the potential side effects linked to traditional antibody-based treatments. Initial studies in preclinical models have shown the safety and efficacy of this approach, opening avenues for further investigation in human clinical trials.
“Our ultimate goal is to develop a safe and effective treatment for individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, with a focus on those at high risk, such as those with familial Alzheimer’s,” said Rahimipour.
“By targeting the early-stage aggregation of A-beta, we aim to prevent disease progression and improve the quality of life for patients and their families,” he said.
