Possible Cure for Alzheimers

Recent neurological research has found a link between an enzyme known to block the production of new memories called HDAC2, a member of the histone deacetylase family. These enzymes work by changing histone levels to prevent certain genes from being expressed by bundling the chromatin differently. This hormone was found in high levels in the hippocampus region (responsible for memory) of the brains mice affected with Alzheimer's as well as in the brains of dead Alzheimer's patients. When this enzyme was blocked in the mice, the Alzheimer's symptoms disappeared and the mice began to form new memories as well, effectively curing them. The biggest problem with this enzyme is that it blocks a relatively large portion of the genome, keeping the brain from responding appropriately to various stimuli, and is perhaps the explanation for most Alzheimer's symptoms. This seemingly miraculous treatment is currently

in development, but an approved treatment is still at least a decade away.

http://io9.com/5889483/breaking-a-gene-blockade-could-be-the-secret-to-treating-alzheimers-disease

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature10849.html