There is a new study in the United States explaining how physical activity can help avoid Alzheimer's disease. Experts say that the research could eventually lead to a new therapy for what everybody know as an incurable condition. This gives hope to the hundreds, or even thousands of people suffering from the illness in the UK.
Tests done on mice seen running on an exercise wheel elevated its production of the protein known as SIRT3 which is commonly found in mitochondria. This protein belongs to a family of genes known as sirtuins. It was discovered that sirtuins are usually found in men over the age of 100 than in the general population. Research also found that it plays an increasing role in ongoing studies into ageing.
In a different study, where scientists examined nematode worms and fruit flies, it was found that sirtuins may be related to longevity in some ways. The increase in production can extend life by approximately 50%. This only proves that exercise can improve brain cell function by producing more SIRT3.
Dr. Mark Mattson of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore discovered that the protein help brain cells to withstand energy-depleting stress which is caused by neurotoxins. As people age or develop degenerative diseases related to the brain such as, Alzheimer's, our brain cells may produce insufficient energy for our brains to function well.
The research showed SIRT3 protected the mice brains from deteriorating which led researchers to believe that this can do the same to humans. Mice which did not produce the protein became extremely sensitive to stress when exposed to neurotoxins.
Dr. Mattson is certain that the human brain can be protected by the use of gene therapy.
He explained the findings stating that it help the mitochondria to function well and withstand stress by producing an increased level of SIRT3, and relatively protect the brain against age-related cognitive deterioration and other diseases.
"Our findings suggest that SIRT3 plays pivotal roles in adaptive responses of neurons to physiological challenges and resistance to degeneration." He added.
