The Way it Was :: essays research papers

Washington Post Research Points to a Key Alzheimers Risk promoterKey TermsAmino Acids An organic molecule with a enthalpy atom, amino group, an acid group, an R group which are all covalently bonded to a hydrogen atom.Genes Unit of information about a heritable trait passed from parents to their offspring.Hypothesis possible explanation, of a phenomenon, one that has potential to be proved false by experimental tests.Statins cholesterol lowering drugs.Text References Chapter 16 Recombinant DNA and Genetic Engineering- pg. 741-743 on vitamins and the essential amino acids.Summary Researchers believe that homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood, is the cause for an increased number of deaths from Alzheimers disease. Chances of getting this disease are believed to almost be doubled due to high content of the amino acid in the blood. Scientists believe now that they can determine people who are at greater risk and also be able correct the problem. The answer, scientists believe, is t o plainly lower the high centres of homocysteine in the blood by taking certain vitamin supplements.New research by scientists have led us to the conclusion that the higher(prenominal) amounts of homocysteine in the blood the greater chance of getting Alzheimers disease. In the late 1980s , scientists studied 1,100 participants all with the average age of 75, to see what amount of homocysteine was present in their blood. Approximately eight years later, 10% of those tested had developed dementia, most of its attribute to Alzheimers. The 30% which had the highest content of homocysteine in their blood had double the risk of developing the disease.The data found by scientists has lead them to believe homocysteine is the cause for elevated occurrences of Alzheimers disease. Scientists believe that homocysteine accounts for 15% of the populations risk of developing Alzheimers disease. seemingly if the 15% of those cases were prevented that would mean a much fewer amount of cases of A lzheimers disease from occurring.Willaim Jagust a neurologist from the University of California at Davis tends to disagree with the results. Dr. Jagust states, If we lower homocysteine levels, bequeath we lower the risk of Alzheimers disease? He questions homocysteine because he says there are many other factors which play a role involving dementia and Alzheimers disease.