Could a treatment for one type of brain disease be an effective approach for others?

Data suggests that various forms of dementia and neurodegenerative diseases share some of the same underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease, and a group of researchers are committed to studying in treatment for one type of brain disease could possibly be effective in treating others.

The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation in partnership with The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, are funding drugs targeting tau, which plays a major role in destryoing brain cells in Alzheimer's disease and TDP-43, a neurotoxic protein. They will also invest in biomarkers and neuroimaging tests that can conclusively identify the hallmarks of these diseases and track their progression.   

Howard Fillit, MD, geriatrician and neuroscientist, said in the article, "It is my hope that the efforts of these and other pioneering researchers will soon succeed at providing effective therapies and diagnostic tools so we can end the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s and related dementias."  

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Jodelle joined TriMed Media Group in 2016 as a senior writer, focusing on content for Radiology Business and Health Imaging. After receiving her master's from DePaul University, she worked as a news reporter and communications specialist.

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