Exeter University Have Published Groundbreaking Dementia Study

A team of scientists led by researchers at an Exeter university have published a groundbreaking new dementia study.

More than 26 million people are currently affected by Alzheimer’s disease worldwide – a number experts believe is likely to increase as the ageing population continues to grow.

Much has already been learnt about how the disease affects the brain, including that some parts of the organ are more susceptible to it than others, but little is known about how and why this is the case.

However, a new study headed by Professor Jonathan Mill of University of Exeter Medical School has uncovered new evidence to suggest that epigenetic changes – processes which affect the expression of genetic material – could be the mechanisms responsible.

Researchers carried out a post-mortem analysis of DNA extracted from Alzheimer’s affected brains, as well as examining blood samples obtained from several hundred Alzheimer sufferers.

Their findings, published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, revealed a correspondence between the areas of the brain strongly affected by the disease and chemical changes to DNA within a particular gene – ANK1.

Professor Mill said: “This is the strongest evidence yet to suggest that epigenetic changes in the brain occur in Alzheimer’s disease, and offers potential hope for understanding the mechanisms involved in the onset of dementia”

“We don’t yet know why these changes occur – it’s possible that they are involved in disease onset, but they may also reflect changes induced by the disease itself.”

As epigenetic changes are potentially reversible, one significant consequence of the study is that it may provide targets for the development of new therapies.

Dr Clare Walton, research communications manager at Alzheimer’s Society said it was only through “vital” research like the Exeter study that progress could be made towards a cure.

“Epigenetics is an exciting field of research that can help us to understand how the environment and our genes interact in the development of dementia,” she said.

“This study provides strong evidence that epigenetic factors are involved in Alzheimer’s disease, opening up new avenues to explore in the search for new treatments.”

Source Western Morning News