Implantable capsule might help prevent Alzheimer's

New study: Implantable capsule might help prevent Alzheimer's
To see a loved one suffer because of this crippling disease is truly heartbreaking. As a human being, it is in our nature to protect our families and loved ones against this pain. But there is no way to stop illness from taking over. Our only way to cope for now is to learn how to be experts in managing this condition.
In line with this, a recent discovery might prove to be beneficial in managing Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests the use of an implantable capsule.
Researchers from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland published the findings in the journal Brain. They disclosed the information how the implant mechanism would work. Once the capsule has been implanted under the skin, it will emit antibodies to the brain which will be responsible for the activation of the immune system in order to eliminate beta-amyloid protein.
Beta-amyloid protein facilitates the progression of the disease. What it does is it bundles the protein together and creates plaques that collect in between the spaces of nerve cells. This alters the ability of the cells to survive.
The scientists are constantly in search of methods to solve the problems with the plaques, and they have an interesting idea how to. The idea is to mark the beta-amyloid proteins with antibodies which in turn would prompt the immune system to destroy them before they transform into plaques.
But the process is still not in its finest form; the treatment should be done in the early stages of the disease for it to be deemed effective. This means multiple injections that might have side effects.
Aebischer claims that the implantable capsule is another method for a safer treatment.
The macroencapsulation device has the following measurements: 27 mm in length, 12 mm wide and 1.2 mm thick. The device is composed of genetically engineered cells from muscle tissue that releases increased levels of antibodies which identify and target beta-amyloid proteins in the brain. These cells must also be compatible with the patient's to prevent any rejection from the immune system.
The capsule will discharge the antibodies into the bloodstream. From this, they will go to the brain to hunt and tag beta-amyloid protein. This will call the immune system to attack.
Aebischer and the team conducted an experiment on mouse models with early onset of Alzheimer's. These were evaluated for 39 weeks.
The brains depicted reduced levels of beta-amyloid protein and plaques. This is indicative that the experiment prevented the plaque formation. The mice also had lower phosphorylation of the tau protein which accounts for tangle formation inside the nerve cells.
The study authors find that the research is something that provides a helpful concept in formulating an effective approach for Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.


Dr. David Tal has more than twenty years of clinical experience. He strongly believes that medical treatment can improve the life of Alzheimer's and memory loss patients of any age. His participation at the Age Matters Clinic allows him to share his knowledge with patients and their families.