Potatoes and Alzheimer's Treatment
Due to my mother’s dementia I have placed myself I’m on mailing lists for medical research into Alzheimer’s treatment. Today I received this interesting update indicating that a common potato virus may hold the key to Alzheimer’s treament.
ScienceDaily (Aug. 16, 2008) — A virus that commonly infects potatoes bears a striking resemblance to one of the key proteins implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and researchers have used that to develop antibodies that may slow or prevent the onset of AD. PVY is a potato virus that’s a fairly common infection posing no risk to humans (many people have probably eaten PVY infected potatoes).
The August 15 Journal of Biological Chemistry reports, Robert Friedland and colleagues injected PVY into mice followed by monthly boosters for four months. The mice produced strong levels of antibodies that could attach to amyloid beta protein both in both solution and in tissue samples of Alzheimer’s patients. And although the levels were lower, mice also developed A antibodies if given injections of PVY-infected potato leaf as opposed to purified PVY. Further testing will reveal if the PVY virus can be used to either slow done or prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s. Source
As I read this brief update I reflected on the many good times my mother and I had during my childhood. I loved weeding the potato patch and harvesting the produce with her. Sadly she has no memories of these times we had together and sometimes she doesn’t even remember who I am.
About timethief
13 Comments on “Potatoes and Alzheimer's Treatment”
~~~ Welcome ~~~
this time - this space is a personal development and self improvement blog, focused on overcoming challenges through skillful means, and living the simple life to the fullest. Read more ...
Follow @thistimespace
Visitors
© 2007 – 2012 All Rights Reserved - Any content reblogged from this time - this space must adhere to the terms of © Copyright
I’m sorry about your mother’s illness. I can’t imagine what that would be like, but when I try, I’m scared & saddened. *hug* I hope the potato virus helps.
My mother doesn’t have Alzheimer’s as far as we know. The doctors say she has suffered from a series of brain stem strokes affecting the most primitive parts of the brain and that she’s suffering from dementia.
I’m of two minds when it comes to her lack of memories. It’s actually much better to see her in this state than it would be to witness her again as an active abuser. However, the memories she has lost are shared and some of my earliest memories of her are from the times before she became abusive. It’s unfortunate that she can no longer access them but instead is caught up in the memories of her own childhood.
These entries may better explain where I’m coming from:
http://thistimethisspace.com/2007/05/23/memories-of-mother/
http://thistimethisspace.com/2008/05/16/blogging-sharing-early-memories/
I’m so sorry for your mother’s condition. Although the consequences from these strokes can be permanent, I have just one word to repeat…nutrition, nutrition, nutrition…is known to improve these conditions and prevent further strokes.
I’m happy to say that the home my mom is in are providing her with more nutritious meals than she previously ate. Also my sister lives close by and arranges outings and such.
@Timethief–
I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s condition. Alzheimer’s disease also runs in my family and is my own mother’s biggest fear. She watched her mother and two aunts become afflicted and she has become almost obsessed (too much, imo). I have given her cognitive and memory tests and she runs normal—showing only a normal decline but she has even joined a support group called “The Forgetter’s Club” in her small town.
This was a fascinating story—and another possible layer to the complexity of Alzheimer’s disease. My field in psychology is actually biopsychology and I have studied the interactions between psychological, biological, and sociocultural forces extensively. I am convinced that there is not *one* particular cause for any disorder or condition. I believe there are always two events that occur: a genetic predisposition and an environmental trigger; each of these can be unique to the individual. I believe the genetic predispositions may vary—and we know the environmental influences are variable. The more we learn and understand—the more people we can potentially help.
One of the most fascinating studies was the nun study—not sure if you are familiar with it (http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/alzheimers_disease/90363 ). I found it particularly compelling that one of the nuns had showed excessive tangles (long thought to be highly associated with Alzheimer’s disease) yet she scored very high in cognitive tests. This highlights the importance of staying mentally active into old age—because the study indicates that even if you have tangles, you can overcome them with mental exercise.
Best Regards,
Melinda
Ah–I should have read the rest of the comments first! Live and learn. I read now that it is not Alzheimer’s.
This is very true–there are many different forms of dementia and there is one form of dementia that I know is caused by a virus. They had thought the people who had this virus actually had Alzheimer’s but when they were diagnosed and treated correctly, their dementia went away.
I am very sorry that your mother is suffering from dementia–no matter what the source. I wish her and you all the best in coping with it. Watching someone you love slip away is very difficult.
Best Regards,
Melinda
my great uncle suffers from this disease… thanks for the update.
Losing one’s memories… I think that’s one thing I sometimes dread. Certainly, physical illness presents its own very real issues, but not being able to take refuge in a mind that’s lost its identity is a more fearful thing to me.
I have some small, treasured moments inside my soul that I would like my mind to be able to soak in until the very day I die. I sometimes worry that even that might be too much to ask for…
so sorry about your mom’s illness. I personally know someone who has memory problems, so i know what it’s like. Hope the potato virus helps..
@Melissa
I want to thank you for providing all that information. I do appreciate it.
@Robin
I’m sorry to hear about your great uncle. Although this research is in the early stages I sincerely hope it provides a means of slowing down the development of Alzheimer’s.
@Tony,
Thanks for dropping in and commenting. I share your dread of losing precious memories. I have some very wonderful memories that I never want to lose.
@mantiz
Ironically I am suffering from a concussion at present and the symptoms include short term memory loss. Yikes! I sure hope that this clears up soon. :(