Researchers from Scotland have found a protein that may make nerve cells sensitive and prone to seizures. The tests on mice suggest that amyloid protien which causes clumps in brains could be primary cause of it.

Nearly one third of Alzheimer’s patients suffer from epileptic seizures. Unfortunately the medications of Alzheimer’s could trigger seizures. On the contrary the drugs that can control these seizures may also worsen the Alzheimer’s symptoms. This new study may enable researchers to develop and design different drugs which can treat both the disease and the seizures. The side effects of drugs could be minimized as well.

This scientific research may actually unlock the cellular mechanism, which could be the missing link between Alzheimer’s and seizures. Any new understanding brings a new hope of treatment.

Alzheimer’s itself is a degenerative disease. Dementia coupled with seizures only worsens the situation for the patient and the family. It is distressing that only treatments available are symptomatic. The brain mechanisms are still largely unknown and untamed. There is no single drug which can control Alzheimer’s and epilepsy.

Via BBC