When considering the human brain, we don’t really think of it as an organ that ‘drains’. However, the brain has a very complicated drainage system that helps rid itself of toxins so that it can function correctly.
Though we do not know everything about the human brain, we are continuing to glean insight into certain neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. New discoveries surrounding the brain and its drainage system may advance our understanding of Alzheimer’s and provide us with more ammunition to cure it.
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Protein Folding
To understand Alzheimer’s and its treatment options, we must understand the importance of protein folding. Protein folding is a fundamental function that occurs in the body. Generally speaking, this is the process of turning amino acids into usable proteins for the body.
It occurs in four steps. First, the amino acids are sequenced into their proper order. Second, the protein begins to fold upwards, creating one of two structures: an alpha helix or a beta-pleated sheet. Thirdly, the protein finishes folding into the 3D structure that allows it to perform its essential function. Finally, it binds to peptides.
In some situations, protein misfolding occurs. This is when the amino acid sequence is disrupted and cannot progress into a usable protein. Instead, these misfolded proteins accumulate and aggregate, which is a marker of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s Treatment
Though Alzheimer’s presents significant health issues, the treatment options are fairly limited. Fortunately, new studies are showing that the brain’s drainage system may play a key part in Alzheimer’s treatments. The meningeal lymphatic system is responsible for draining the brain of toxins.
Preliminary studies suggest that boosting this system may lead to more reliable efficacy in Alzheimer’s treatments. It seems that by breaking up the protein aggregates and allowing them to flush through the lymphatic system more quickly, treatments can have a greater impact.
Though studies have only been conducted in mice so far, the results show promise for those who are looking for a cure to this devastating disease. This discovery does not negate the need for existing Alzheimer’s treatments. Rather, it shows that boosting the lymphatic system along with the Alzheimer’s treatments may lead to more reliable results.
Next Steps
Additional research is required to understand exactly how these results can be applied to human therapeutics. By boosting the lymphatic system during Alzheimer’s treatment, there is a chance that treatment can be more effective. This shows great hope for the future.
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