Topic: Low-density lipoprotein receptor reduces damage in Alzheimer's brain

[sam]

The low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) has received a lot of attention because of its connection with coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis, but now it appears as if it may have a beneficial influence in degenerative brain diseases. New research, published by Cell Press in the December 10th issue of the journal Neuron, links LDLR with a reduction in brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and suggests a new therapeutic strategy for this incurable disease.

http://www.physorg.com/news179590178.html

[Clive]

I know a few people with Alzheimer's and it's a really dreadful condition to have.  Particularly for those who have to look after them.   

[Simon]

Yes, it's almost worse for the carer than the sufferer. 

[Rik]

Having been there, I'll second that.

[Simon]

Luckily, I haven't been there. 

[Rik]

It's certainly a tough place to be.

[GillE]

My husband looks after Alzheimer sufferers for a living.  It's very poorly paid work and there's no job security, but he loves it.

BBC 2 is showing a very good series about care homes (and most residents in care homes have some form of dementia) by Gerry Robinson.  I saw it the other night and it almost made me weep.  There's so much more that we as a society could and should be doing for these poor people.

[Rik]

I'd agree with you there, Gill. The staff I have met in homes have generally been caring and compassionate, but they are under-resourced and there's insufficient places available as a whole.

[sam]

I'd agree with you there, Gill. The staff I have met in homes have generally been caring and compassionate, but they are under-resourced and there's insufficient places available as a whole.

and its only going to get worse with an aging population

[Rik]

I'm trying to book my space now.

[GillE]

Don't bother Rik.  If you go down with Alzheimer's it won't bother you.  It'll bother the Dickens out of everyone around you, but you'll be blissfully unaware of that.

[Simon]

No change there, then.  

[Clive]

I do that all the time Gill.   

[Rik]

No change there, then.   

 

[Simon]