Recent studies suggest that high cholesterol levels in midlife raise the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia in later life.

“What’s good for the heart is good for the mind,” says researcher Rachel Whitmer of Kaiser Permanente. Her study, published in the journal Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, found that even borderline-high cholesterol levels (200 to 239 milligrams per deciliter) in middle age raised the risk of late-life dementia by about 50 percent.

Read the entire article:  Midlife Cholesterol Linked To Dementia : NPR

The scientists are seeking qualified study volunteers.

In earlier animal and human safety trials, a gene therapy drug called CERE-110 was injected into patients’ brains, initially via modified skin cells, later using a harmless viral carrier. CERE-110 carries a gene that promotes long-term production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a natural molecule that helps brain cells live and function longer.

“NGF is known to support the survival and function of the neurons that deteriorate in Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Michael Rafii, an assistant professor in UCSD’s department of neurosciences. “These neurons produce a chemical called acetylcholine, which is important in memory and cognitive function. The hope is that restoration of this system’s function may improve memory in Alzheimer’s patients.”

Read the entire article:  Clinical trial of Alzheimer’s gene therapy moves forward – SignOnSanDiego.com

Neurons in the brain – illustration
Credit: Benedict Campbell. Wellcome Images
images@wellcome.ac.uk