Latest Proven Innovations

Despite the limitations in funding for Dementia research, the last few years have seen some significant progress into the causes, and treatment of dementia. There are a number of clinical research trials that are ongoing in addition to the many advances into developing aids and therapies that can help someone who is living with Dementia.

The STEP Protein

One recent discovery is concerned with the physical cause of Dementia. Scientists have discovered that in some forms of Dementia, especially Alzheimer's, there is a build up of a protein called STtriatal-Enriched tyrosine Phosphatase, or STEP. This protein blocks the transmission of electrical impulses between the neurons in the brain, and so causes memory problems.

Under normal circumstances, STEP proteins are broken down by naturally occurring chemicals within the brain, but the toxic peptide beta amyloid prevents this from happening and a build up of the STEP protein occurs. In addition to blocking impulses between the neurons, it has also been found that the STEP protein can interfere with the neurons learning processes and this stops short-term memories becoming long-term ones. Initial tests on mice have found that reducing the levels of STEP proteins within the brain can reverse this.

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STEM Cell Research

There has been some research in the USA into the viability of translanting STEM cells from bone marrow into the brain in order for these cells to develop as brain cells. Scientists have discovered that treating bone marrow cells in laboratory cultures with bromodeoxyuridine, a compound that becomes part of DNA, makes it more likely that the STEM cells will in fact develop into brain cells. Initial tests on laboratory rats have had some success.

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In the UK, the world's first clinical trial to test whether stem cell therapy can help patients disabled by stroke has started. Twelve patients will receive stem cell therapy over the course of between six and twenty four months after having an ischaemic stroke which is caused by a blockage of blood flow in the brain and results in damage or destruction of the brain cells. The patients' progress will be followed for two years as part of the trial, and if successful, this could also be used to treat some forms of Dementia.

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