How do you feel about it? - Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Message Board

naturevibe · 08-25-2006, 10:05 AM

Many of you likely have seen this - I just finished reading an article about the U of MN study done on mice, which has found that by pinpointing a particular gene and shutting it off, the ability to learn may be restored in those with Alzheimer's.

There was a commercial for the evening news yesterday, which previewed this study -- we had my grandma home with us due to tornados in the area, and as soon as she heard this, I saw her eyes get big, and she said, "Leave it on this channel, I want to hear this". This was sort of an amazing moment of clarity for her - she hardly knows she has Alzheimer's, much less ever has an interest in anything on TV. It made me hopeful and sad at the same time.

How does everyone else feel about this new study and what it may mean down the line?

Sandyspen · 08-25-2006, 10:51 AM

Wow! I hadn't heard a thing about that.

Martha H · 08-25-2006, 12:44 PM

All this research is very encouraging. I am not sure what they mean by shutting a gene off. I didn't know there was such a thing (if there is, why can't they 'fix' the gene responsible for Down's Syndrome or trisomy 18, etc??) But if anything like that is being tried on mice, the next step is usually trying it on a test group of humans, and only then would it be evaluated and possibly allowed to be done. So it is YEARS away. Yet, it might help you and me, if not our parents and grandparents --- if so, more power to the scientists! I'm all for committing more of our tax money to science than to weaponry and war.

love,
Martha

LuvMyLilDoggie · 08-26-2006, 09:26 AM

It's very interesting. I hadn't heard about it but anything involving research into this disease gives me hope.

Since so many people in both sides of my family have it or died from it, I'm almost certain I have that gene. And if I have it, my son could have it too.

Love, Barb

Martha H · 08-26-2006, 03:50 PM

I am hopeful that my generation will be treatable - as compared to my Mom's generation, and that our kids will not even get the disease. Of course new diseases keep cropping up, but this one is going to be a thing of the past - I hope!

love,

Martha