The brain of a person afflicted by Alzheimer’s disease looses a part of its function. The synapses, that is the contact points between nerve cells and other cells, die. Usually people with Alzheimer’s do not realize the development of this disease for a very long time. This is because our brain can compensate and make up for dying tissue for a long time. When Alzheimer’s is eventually diagnosed, already between 40 and 60 percent of the tissue is dead. As dead tissue cannot be replaced, no cure is possible, but the disease can be prevented by a lot of physical exercise, and it is possible to slow down the course of the disease by avoiding risk factors like nicotine, alcohol, overweight, or a high blood sugar level. Important is also a healthy and varied diet with a lot of fruit and vegetables.
In Zurich a scientific test has been carried out that seems to be promising (according to a TV report of August 19, 2006). Test mice are injected a serum that is to prevent “agglutination” of protein substances, also called neuritic plaques. This test has been successful and the serum will now be tested on humans. In earlier experiments with test persons about 6 percent showed side effects, which are to be eliminated in a new series of experiments.
