"We Are Not Alone"

of their ability to function mentally forms here. We have learned long ago, that the Amyloid plaques inhibit the normal function of signals sent from neuron to neuron. Yet APP, Amyloid precursor protein, helps the cells to repair themselves. These enzymes in patients afflicted with Alzheimer’s, break the APP into pieces known as Beta-amyloid molecules.

“Those Beta-amyloid molecules form insoluble plaques that prevent the neurons from performing as they should. That however turns out to be only half of the problem.  The Microtubules of healthy neurons begin to fall apart because of protein tangles. Tau molecules that ordinarily hold the Microtubules together stop working properly, eventually destroying the neurons. It is the combination of insoluble plaques and Tau molecule tangles that cause neuron death, leading to brain atrophy which gives way to Alzheimer’s and death.

“Now for the good news. We have developed a drug called memantine and have used it in combination with Aricept, Excelon and Reminyl, as far back as in two thousand and three.”

Dr John Price began to sense some skepticism and instinctually knew that it was time to reveal what he believed they had really come to hear—tonight!                                                                     

“I am going somewhere with this people!” Dr. Price announced. The medical students anxiously were waiting to hear about the breakthrough that was rumored to be on the agenda.