“Super memory” pill–and possibly an Alzheimer’s cure–could be around the corner

The Sideshow ^ | December 19, 2011 | Eric Pfeiffer

[decimon]

Scientists have isolated a gene in mice that works to give them "super memories" and reverses the course of several degenerative mental illnesses like Alzheimer's. And because of the similarity of mice and human brains, a powerful brain pill for humans may now not be far off.

The brains of both mice and humans release a gene known as PKR, which is triggered by the onset of Alzheimer's. But the newly discovered gene can apparently block PKR's release--a development that not only can reverse the course of degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, but induces a state of "super memory" in the mice it has been tested on.

"If we were to find an inhibitor, a molecule, a drug that will specifically block PKR, we should be able to do the same [in humans]," Maura Costa-Mattioli, who led the research study at Baylor University, told the Vancouver Sun. "And we did."

"We recognize that PKR plays a dual role, one in regulating simple everyday processes like the way neurons talk to each other [for] memory, but also has a stress response," added John Bell, a senior scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute who also contributed to the study.

[Praxeologue]

http://www.cell.com/abstract/S0092-8674%2811%2901375-4

[Praxeologue]

I sense that a couple of the study participants are jumping the gun to get some free publicity. The results are positive, but research is at a very early stage.

[decimon]

Thanks.

That’s beyond me but could be helpful to some others.

[aruanan]

It will have no effect on women because they can already remember everything, every promise you haven't kept, every evasion, every weasel word, every failing, every insincere compliment, and everything you should have said but did not and exactly why that was.

[aruanan]

It will have no effect on women because they can already remember everything, every promise you haven't kept, every evasion, every weasel word, every failing, every insincere compliment, and everything you should have said but did not and exactly why that was.

[decimon]

I sense that a couple of the study participants are jumping the gun to get some free publicity. The results are positive, but research is at a very early stage.

From the Vancouver Sun article: "While a pill version of the drug is possible and would also help prevent senior citizens' fading memories, it won't be ready for at least a few years — something Costa-Mattioli said would depend on securing funding and finding a lab willing to pick up where his research left off."

[aruanan]

That’s weird.

[ModelBreaker]

Great. Give some to Hillary and see if she can remember how all those Rose Law firm records ended up in her office. Or to Eric Holder. Maybe he’ll remember more about Fast and Furious.

[goat granny]

They better hurry to that corner, I am in bad need of such a pill....LOL

[Lazamataz]

Such a pill may have unintended side effects.

[CrazyIvan]

As a family member who has lost a loved one to the disease, I worry about it being hereditary.

My deepest sympathy. My family has been very lucky. I had one grandfather who rode a motorcycle until age 92 and died at 96 clear headed, but I had one great uncle who developed Alzheimer's relatively young. The bad part is that he was still in good physical shape and a tough combat vet and retired LEO. He was in an institution and was a real handful for the staff.

[Guenevere]

I agree with your post....

I hope this is the breakthrough !

[marktwain]

I am sad to see the posts about this possible breakthrough for Alzheimer’s Disease. Anyone who has ever had a loved one stricken with Alzheimer’s is always hopeful that someday there will be a help! As a family member who has lost a loved one to the disease, I worry about it being hereditary.

There are many of us.

I can hardly think of a worse way than slowly having your memories and personality reduced to mush.

[blueunicorn6]

I forgot where I put the pill bottle.

[Hoosier-Daddy]

Sounds like you married my ex-wife’s long lost twin...

[donozark]

CLOSE!

[ScottinSacto]

For later

[NativeSon]

I should have “ /funny” after. I thought it was funny

[4yearlurker]

I forgot to take my memory pill.

[darth]

Eat curry.

Researchers noticed that India only has 25% of the US rate of AD. Turns out that curcumin from turmeric in the curry prevents AD.

I take a capsule of curcumin daily from Vitamin Research Products (www.vrp.com).