Alzheimers is the single greatest cause of mental deterioration in older people, affecting between 2. 5 million and 4 million people in the United States alone. The devastating disorder gradually destroys memory and the ability to function,and eventually causes death. There is currently no known treatment for the disease.
Researches discovered that the skin cells of Alzheimer s patients have defects that interfere with their ability to regulate the flow of potassium in and out of the cells. The fact that the cell defects are present in the skin suggests that Alzheimers resultsfrom physiological changes throughout the body,and that dementia may be the first noticeable effect of these changes as the defects affect the cells in the brain, scientists said.
The flow of potassium is especially critical in cells responsible for memory formation. The scientists also found two other defects that affect the cells supply of calcium, another critical element.
One test developed by researches calls for growing skin cells in a laboratory culture and then testing them with an electrical detector to determine if the microscopic tunnels that govern the flow of potassium are open. Open potassium channels create a unique electrical signature.
A spokesman for the Alzheimers Association said that if the validity of the diagnostic test can be proven it would be an important development, but cautioned that other promising tests for Alzheimers have been disappointing.
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