Wow, the article is very fascinting.
Findings May Lead To New Treatments For Alzheimer's Disease
POSTED: 11:55 a.m. EST January 27, 2004
WASHINGTON -- New research found that less could be more when it comes to a certain type of chemical in the brain.
Researchers say a reduction in the level of the chemical during certain types of sleep allows the brain to replay activities, which can help fix memories.
The finding may have implications for the treatment of diseases that erode memory, like Alzheimer's disease.
German researchers found that during waking times, the chemical suppresses feedback between certain parts of the brain. That chemical is reduced during certain kinds of sleep, allowing that feedback to occur.
Based on this finding, the researchers are suggesting the practice of giving sleep aids to Alzheimer's disease patients that keep their levels of the chemical high may need to be re-evaluated.
Other scientists say more study is needed, and that it's too early to stop giving sleep aids to Alzheimer's patients. The research is published in Tuesday's issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/health/2796307/detail.html
Findings May Lead To New Treatments For Alzheimer's Disease
POSTED: 11:55 a.m. EST January 27, 2004
WASHINGTON -- New research found that less could be more when it comes to a certain type of chemical in the brain.
Researchers say a reduction in the level of the chemical during certain types of sleep allows the brain to replay activities, which can help fix memories.
The finding may have implications for the treatment of diseases that erode memory, like Alzheimer's disease.
German researchers found that during waking times, the chemical suppresses feedback between certain parts of the brain. That chemical is reduced during certain kinds of sleep, allowing that feedback to occur.
Based on this finding, the researchers are suggesting the practice of giving sleep aids to Alzheimer's disease patients that keep their levels of the chemical high may need to be re-evaluated.
Other scientists say more study is needed, and that it's too early to stop giving sleep aids to Alzheimer's patients. The research is published in Tuesday's issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/health/2796307/detail.html