GABA, Alzheimer's and Memory Restoration
Scientists are testing a new drug on mice that aims to combat Alzheimer's disease by controlling electrical oscillations in the brain. By inhibiting specific gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors, the drug helps restore memory.
The absence of fussy thoughts, slight relaxation, contemplation of the world – this is the result of the active work of GABA receptors. Moreover, their most powerful activator is alcohol. Indirectly, scientists have created a drug that works like alcohol – in reverse. What other secrets are hidden in the brain and consciousness – others tell materials from our community. Subscribe to stay up to date with new articles!
Alzheimer and GABA. From Symptoms to Cause
Although it is becoming increasingly clear that plaques in the brain remain a symptom rather than the underlying cause of Alzheimer's, most current treatments aim to destroy them. As a result, drugs can slow the rate of cognitive decline. But they cannot reverse the cognitive effects of the disease. New research offers a different way.
First steps towards a solution
The drugs do clean and tidy up the brain, clearing it of plaques. But the pathological changes in the connections and mechanisms of neuron function are not corrected.
Istvan Mody, professor of neuroscience and physiology at the University of California, Los Angeles.
In search of an alternative treatment, Modi and his team turned to gamma oscillations, high-frequency brain waves that are associated with memory and other cognitive processes. These frequencies are altered and distorted in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Previous studies have shown that stimulating Alzheimer’s patients with auditory, visual, or transcranial signals that mimic gamma oscillations leads to plaque shrinkage. However, no cognitive improvements were observed.
This time, the researchers sought to boost gamma oscillations from within. They created a molecular compound called DDL-920 that worked to suppress the action of a chemical messenger known as GABA, or GABA. This neurotransmitter serves to suppress gamma oscillations in fast-acting structures known as parvalbumin neurons. By suppressing GABA, it was assumed that gamma oscillations would be increased to normal levels, and memory and cognitive abilities would be improved.
Alzheimer's: The effects of GABA
In tests on mice, that’s exactly what happened. When mice genetically modified to have Alzheimer’s were given the compound, their previously poor maze-solving performance improved to match that of healthy mice. What’s more, it only took two weeks of twice-daily dosing for the improvement to be noticeable. The researchers also didn’t notice any visible side effects during the testing phase.
There is actually nothing like this on the market or in laboratory experiments.
Istvan Mody, professor of neuroscience and physiology at the University of California, Los Angeles
Of course, scientists will need much more research to see if the drug is safe and effective in humans. If so, the discovery offers a whole new way to treat the disease.
In theory, DDL-920 may be effective in treating other conditions with features that include reduced gamma oscillations: autism spectrum disorder, depression And schizophrenia.
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