Fight against Alzheimer's continues

University of Antioquia’s Grupo de Neurociencias is focused in a project that seek to study genetic conditions of Alzheimer’s disease in Antioquia.

Traditionally the region of Antioquia, Colombia, has had a significant number of people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and vascular dementia. Grupo de Neurociencias, University of Antioquia, which focuses in the research of this disease in the department of Antioquia - as this is considered an isolated genetic case - identified a terminological concept which claims that this rare case of Alzheimer’s is related to the regionalism that has historically distinguished Antioquia. Thereby terms such as “raza antioqueña” or “paisa” have much to do with the causes of Alzheimer’s in this region.

According to studies developed by Grupo de Neurociencias, congenital neurodegenerative diseases are common in Antioquia since many families have been formed exclusively by “paisas” and most of their offspring have settled in the same region as geographical difficulties prevented them from migrating to other regions of the country.

Neurodegenerative diseases are disorders caused by neuron degeneration which leads to cognitive impairment as well as failures in balance, motor skills, speech, breathing and cardiac function, often due to genetic mutations. However, these diseases are also provoked by alcoholism, tumors, strokes or chronic poisoning among other causes.

Grupo de Neurociencias is focused in the study of genetic conditions of Alzheimer’s disease in Antioquia. According to a report of families struck by hereditary early-onset Alzheimer’s this disease affects 250 families having about 5000 individuals from which 2000 have been examined in order to evaluate potential genetic mutations, neuron and cell damage, and all information required to continue developing treatments and methods intended to improve symptoms and stop neurodegenerative diseases as these continue to be a progressive and terminal disorder where palliative treatments seem to be the only effective methods to somehow improve the quality of life of patients.

In addition, 600 individuals were found to suffer from this rare mutation. According to Dr. Francisco Lopera, head of Grupo de Neurociencias, this means that 600 people are expected to suffer from Alzheimer’s in the coming years and 50% of their child will have the disease too.

Another report shows that four clans from the region of Antioquia have been found to have vascular dementia (CADASIL). Each one showed a different NOTCH 3 mutation (which is the underlying cause of cerebral artheriopathy and leukencephalopathy).

The project consists of a group of experts in different areas of neuroscience that for over 28 years have focused in the development of more efficient treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Currently Grupo de Neurociencias conducts therapies aimed at prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.