Why is research so important?

Through research, the multiple steps leading to the formation and clearance of these proteins are becoming increasing clear. This knowledge will lead to new ideas about ways to slow down or stop the disease process. The safety and effectiveness of new approaches to treatment are then put to test in carefully-controlled conditions known as clinical trials.

Beta-amyloid protein is known to be toxic to nerve cells. The a-beta protein is clipped out of a large protein known as amyloid protein precursor (APP). It might be possible to treat the disease by changing the activity of the two enzymes, known as beta- and gamma-secretase, responsible for splicing a-beta protein at each end. Drugs currently being studied that exemplify this strategy include R-flurizan, curcumin, and Alzamed.