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This week on Healthwatch, we've been talking about genetic research. We've learned how scientists study the way genes work to develop organisms, how researchers look for genetic causes of disease and how doctors use genetic information to develop cures.
Researchers at UT Southwestern are using genetic research to unravel the mysteries of Alzheimer's disease. Scientists believe that the symptoms of Alzheimer's are caused by a buildup of plaques in the brain. UT Southwestern's researchers have found a way to stimulate the immune system to fight off the proteins that cause these plaques. They used a genetic vaccine to cause the body to form antibodies against amyloid (am-i-loyd) proteins that cause the disease-causing plaques.
The technique - effective in mice - may be years in the lab before the scientists are ready to try it on humans.
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Jan. 2005
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