Link between Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain damage clarified (press release)

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The normal function of the amyloidal precursor protein or APP clarified It has been known for several years that APP is relevant in Alzheimer's disease. APP is the precursor of the amyloidal-â protein that causes the typical 'plaques' in the brains of patients. The normal function of APP was, however, not known. Maarten Leyssen and his colleagues have indicated that APP stimulates the development of nerve paths. Intact nerve paths are essential for the proper functioning of the brain. These connections can be damaged after traumatic brain damage resulting in the improper functioning of the brain. APP is responsible for stimulating the development of new nerve paths.

APP and Alzheimer's disease

These results also aid better understanding of certain aspects of Alzheimer's disease, where APP plays a major role. The fruit fly – an ideal model to study the brain's action – indicates that APP increases considerably after brain damage, namely in areas where new nerve paths need to be formed. Because more APP is made, more plaques can develop in the brain, a typical symptom of Alzheimer's disease. For the first time the results of VIB researchers explain the strong link between brain damage and Alzheimer's disease: not only do patients with major brain damage have more chance of developing Alzheimer's disease later on in life, their brains also often show plaques that strongly resemble those of Alzheimer patients.
About the author: Mike Adams is a consumer health advocate with a strong interest in personal health, the environment and the power of nature to help us all heal He is a prolific writer and has published thousands of articles, interviews, reports and consumer guides, impacting the lives of millions of readers around the world who are experiencing phenomenal health benefits from reading his articles. Adams is a trusted, independent journalist who receives no money or promotional fees whatsoever to write about other companies' products. In 2007, Adams launched EcoLEDs, a manufacturer of mercury-free, energy-efficient LED lighting products that save electricity and help prevent global warming. He also founded an environmentally-friendly online retailer called BetterLifeGoods.com that uses retail profits to help support consumer advocacy programs. He's also a veteran of the software technology industry, having founded a personalized mass email software product used to deliver email newsletters to subscribers. Adams is currently the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit, and regularly pursues cycling, nature photography, Capoeira and Pilates. Known by his callsign, the 'Health Ranger,' Adams posts his missions statements, health statistics and health photos at www.HealthRanger.org


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