HIV Drugs May Soon Treat Alzheimer’s | Senior Helpers of Charleston
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HIV Drugs May Soon Treat Alzheimer’s

The similarities between Alzheimer’s Disease and HIV are few and far between, but recent studies are being conducted showing that the HIV drug, Lamivudine, helps reduce inflammation which leads to several age-related health issues.

The body has a process called retrotransposon which is when DNA replicates and moves around the body. This process of replication is what spreads viruses in the body. Healthy bodies are able to stop the genes from replicated, but older cells can fail to control the retrotransposon. These viral cells that are elude the body and spread trigger inflammation, which further complicates the situation.

Research has found that the proteins, reverse transcriptase, stop inflammation and prevent damaged genes from replicating. This is crucial in HIV positive patients, and is now being proven beneficial for Alzheimer’s patients also. The reduction in inflammation alone will be a powerful tool in treating age-related health issues. However, the ability to stop the spread of bad genes being replicated. The replication of the APP protein drives the build-up of beta-amyloid proteins. Beta-amyloid proteins are a trait found in Alzheimer’s patients. The APP gene creates new genetic variations.

This is just one of the exciting studies in the field of Alzheimer’s and dementia research. Senior Helpers Charleston is excited to be following the research closely. While it will be an amazing day to see the end of age-related illnesses, we are still working to care for those who need it most in the Charleston Lowcountry. Give us a call today.


Source:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323797.php