Scottish researchers have received a funding boost from the UK’s leading dementia research charity, the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, to investigate changes in the brain’s communication system in Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr Jan Mulder from the University of Aberdeen will examine a particular set of chemicals in the brain, called, endocannabinoids that are involved in fine-tuning communication between brain cells, in order to learn more about the changes in this system during the progression of Alzheimer’s a disease. When a brain cell is stimulated endocannabinoids are released and bind to receptors in the brain to slow communications and prevent the brain from harming itself. When endocannabinoid signalling is too strong or too weak it will affect the quality of signal transmission in the brain leading to impaired learning and memory. There are indications that amyloid, the protein that forms plaques in the Alzheimer brain might alter this system.
Dr Jan Mulder at the University of Aberdeen said: "We will study the endocannabinoid system in detail and look at the changes that occur in Alzheimer’s disease and particularly those related to functioning of neuronal networks in the brain.
"Once we know more about the system, we’ll be able to consider its possible role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. This will help us learn more about the causes and possible ways to tackle the disease."
Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust said, "We are delighted to be funding research which will build on our understanding of how the disease affects the brain’s communication’s systems which in turn negatively impacts on memory and learning.
"We wish Dr Mulder well and look forward to hearing of the results of this exciting research."
For more information, photos or to arrange an interview, please contact the Alzheimer's Research Trust Press Office at 01223 843304 or visit our online newsroom at www.alzheimers-research.org.uk/news/. Images of Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust are available on request.