Alzheimer Nederland awarded a ‘Major Research Grant’ to Dr. Ir. Louise van der Weerd of the Departments of Radiology and Human Genetics of Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC). The grant will be used to research new therapies for cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). The LUMC reports it.
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is common in Alzheimer’s disease and in the elderly in general. In CAA, a protein (amyloid beta) builds up in the small vessels of the brain, causing them to malfunction, become brittle, and rupture more quickly. From animal experiments and examining the brains of CAA patients after they die, we know that inflammation is common in CAA. This inflammation in the brain may be a response to the amyloid protein and probably plays a role in the deterioration of vascular function and the occurrence of bleeding.
Enter the antibiotic
The Major Research Grant worth 300,000 euros, awarded by Alzheimer Nederland, will be used to study the mechanisms by which the existing antibiotic ‘minocycline’ can inhibit the disease process. Minocycline has been used in the clinic for a long time. In addition to its antibiotic effect, it is known that minocycline can counteract inflammatory reactions in the brain, but also that it can help strengthen the vascular wall. This project further investigates how minocycline can inhibit inflammation and other vascular wall reactions in the brain and the effect of small brain haemorrhages on these processes.
By: National Care Guide
