An MRI image of a healthy brain (L) and an Alzheimer's brain with large black gaps where shrinkage has set in. AFP
An MRI image of a healthy brain (L) and an Alzheimer's brain with large black gaps where shrinkage has set in. AFP
An MRI image of a healthy brain (L) and an Alzheimer's brain with large black gaps where shrinkage has set in. AFP
An MRI image of a healthy brain (L) and an Alzheimer's brain with large black gaps where shrinkage has set in. AFP

Could clearing cluttered brain cells be key to advancing Alzheimer's treatment?


Nick Webster
  • English
  • Arabic

Brain cells unable to clean themselves and function correctly could be a primary cause of Alzheimer’s disease, rather than vessels blocked with plaque as previously thought.

The condition is usually diagnosed by doctors if they find a patient has a combination of amyloid plaque and DNA tangles in the brain that are crucial for healthy cognitive function.

Although the exact cause of Alzheimer's is still to be fully understood, a prevailing theory involves the formation of protein called beta-amyloid which destroy brain cells and leads to cognitive problems such as memory loss and an inability to think clearly.

Research by the University of California Riverside, however, found about a fifth of patients with plaque had no sign of dementia to offer a new theory towards an alternative cause of the condition.

“Roughly 20 per cent of people have the plaques, but no signs of dementia,” said UCR chemistry professor Ryan Julian.

“This makes it seem as though the plaques themselves are not the cause.”

The UCR findings led scientists to look at ‘tau’ proteins in brain samples of dementia patients.

They wanted to understand why the damaged brains failed to clear out defective proteins as usual, leading to Alzheimer’s disease, a process called autophagy.

Study results have been published in the scientific magazine, the Journal of Proteome Research.

The revelation could have a huge impact on related research.

While it is already known autophagy slows in those over 65, it is not clear why.

But drugs used for cardiovascular disease already exist to slow down the process and delay the onset of symptoms.

Fasting can also induce autophagy, as when cells lose proteins usually gleaned from someone’s diet, they compensate by recycling proteins already present in cells.

Exercise has also been found to increase autophagy, lending weight to the theory that healthy living could help preserve mental function.

“If a slowdown in autophagy is the underlying cause, things that increase it should have the beneficial, opposite effect,” said Prof Julian.

UAE supports efforts to halt mental decline

In October, the UAE became only the second country to sign up for a new brain-boosting drug used to treat the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease.

Produced by US firm Biogen, injectable Aduhelm is suitable for the over 65s most at risk from the condition, and can help those with early signs and symptoms of the condition, such as brain fog, memory loss and confusion.

Meanwhile, a Dubai health clinic is carrying out therapies to help delay the ageing process and rebuild tissue to halt mental decline, doctors have said.

Treatments at Aviv Clinic have improved mental alertness and physical performance and could be used to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Treatment includes oxygen therapy sessions where patients are confined to a hyperbaric chamber.

MATCH INFO

World Cup 2022 qualifier

UAE v Indonesia, Thursday, 8pm

Venue: Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai

Scores

Oman 109-3 in 18.4 overs (Aqib Ilyas 45 not out, Aamir Kaleem 27) beat UAE 108-9 in 20 overs (Usman 27, Mustafa 24, Fayyaz 3-16, Bilal 3-23)

The%20Iron%20Claw
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'Morbius'

Director: Daniel Espinosa 

Stars: Jared Leto, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona

Rating: 2/5

FIGHT%20CARD
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Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.

Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.

For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae

 

Gifts exchanged
  • King Charles - replica of President Eisenhower Sword
  • Queen Camilla -  Tiffany & Co vintage 18-carat gold, diamond and ruby flower brooch
  • Donald Trump - hand-bound leather book with Declaration of Independence
  • Melania Trump - personalised Anya Hindmarch handbag
CREW
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Company%20Profile
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'The worst thing you can eat'

Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.

Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines: 

Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.

Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.

Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.

Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.

Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Tips to keep your car cool
  • Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
  • Park in shaded or covered areas
  • Add tint to windows
  • Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
  • Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
  • Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
Results

5.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,400m

Winner Spirit Of Light, Clement Lecoeuvre (jockey), Erwan Charpy (trainer)

6.05pm Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Dirt) 1,900m

Winner Bright Start, Pat Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor

6.40pm Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (D) 2,000m

Winner Twelfthofneverland, Nathan Crosse, Satish Seemar

7.15pm Handicap (TB) Dh85,000 (T) 1,600m

Winner Imperial Empire, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar

7.50pm Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (T) 2,000m

Winner Record Man, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar

8.25pm Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (D) 1,600m

Winner Celtic Prince, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly

Fresh faces in UAE side

Khalifa Mubarak (24) An accomplished centre-back, the Al Nasr defender’s progress has been hampered in the past by injury. With not many options in central defence, he would bolster what can be a problem area.

Ali Salmeen (22) Has been superb at the heart of Al Wasl’s midfield these past two seasons, with the Dubai club flourishing under manager Rodolfo Arrubarrena. Would add workrate and composure to the centre of the park.

Mohammed Jamal (23) Enjoyed a stellar 2016/17 Arabian Gulf League campaign, proving integral to Al Jazira as the capital club sealed the championship for only a second time. A tenacious and disciplined central midfielder.

Khalfan Mubarak (22) One of the most exciting players in the UAE, the Al Jazira playmaker has been likened in style to Omar Abdulrahman. Has minimal international experience already, but there should be much more to come.

Jassim Yaqoub (20) Another incredibly exciting prospect, the Al Nasr winger is becoming a regular contributor at club level. Pacey, direct and with an eye for goal, he would provide the team’s attack an extra dimension.

Company profile

Date started: 2015

Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki

Based: Dubai

Sector: Online grocery delivery

Staff: 200

Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends

COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: BorrowMe (BorrowMe.com)

Date started: August 2021

Founder: Nour Sabri

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: E-commerce / Marketplace

Size: Two employees

Funding stage: Seed investment

Initial investment: $200,000

Investors: Amr Manaa (director, PwC Middle East) 

HOW%20TO%20ACTIVATE%20THE%20GEMINI%20SHORTCUT%20ON%20CHROME%20CANARY
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Updated: December 01, 2021, 2:41 AM`