Alzheimer's disease causes significant changes in the brain that result in a number of symptoms including memory loss, confusion, personality changes and hallucinations. Research indicates abnormal calcium production might influence development of this condition.
Calcium and Brain Health
Properly regulating the amount of calcium in brain cells plays a vital role in brain health, according to Dr. J. Kevin Foskett of University of Pennsylvania. This process depends on proper communication between different areas of the brain.
Familial and Spontaneous Alzheimer's Disease
Abnormal calcium channel signaling has been linked to familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD)--which can appear earlier in life--and spontaneous Alzheimer's disease. The latter makes up the majority of cases and typically strikes after age 60.
Genes
Research conducted by Foskett and several others discovered one gene in particular that influenced the development of abnormal calcium signaling and the disease itself. Having one copy of this gene increases your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by 44 percent.
Beta-Amyloid
This abnormal calcium production plays a role in the formation of beta-amyloid plaques. Build up of this toxic protein triggers Alzheimer's disease.
Implications
This research has shed light on new risk factors and genetics involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease. This can lead to targeted therapies to address the genetic abnormality and the improper calcium production.
Tags: Alzheimer disease, calcium production, abnormal calcium, abnormal calcium production
