The quest to restore cognitive function for those with Alzheimer’s disease is moving forward in Arizona, thanks to funding from the Alzheimer’s Association. Roberta Diaz Brinton, PhD., a leading neuroscientist in the field of Alzheimer’s disease, the aging female brain and regenerative therapeutics at the University of Arizona Health Sciences in Tucson, is one of six international researchers awarded $1 million, two-year grants by the association in October.
Your brain is your most powerful organ, yet weighs only about three pounds. It has a texture similar to firm jelly. Your brain is nourished by one of your body’s richest networks of blood vessels. When you are thinking hard, your brain may use up to 50% of the fuel and oxygen. With each heartbeat, your arteries carry about 20 to 25 percent of your blood to the brain, where billions of cells use about 20% of the oxygen and fuel.
Neurons are the chief type of cell destroyed by Alzheimer’s disease. An adult brain contains 100 billion nerve cells. Signals traveling through the “neuron forest” form the basis of memories, thoughts and feelings.
Do you have Alzheimer’s in your family? If so, it’s likely a big concern. Take part in a clinical trial and help make a difference! Look at www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research_progress/clinical trials. Read the information and consider being part of a trial. There are several clinical trials in Phoenix. Help with research at no cost to you. These research studies are conducted in person to determine whether treatments are safe and effective. Without clinical research and the help of human volunteers, there can be no better treatment, no prevention and no cure for Alzheimer’s.
Mark your calendar for the Robson Ranch Walk to End Alzheimer’s on November 16.