Scientist to study new ways to tackle Alzheimer’s

A project that will investigate new ways to protect brain cells from damage in Alzheimer's will begin this month thanks to an Alzheimer's Research UK grant. The one-year pilot project, led by Dr Nina Balthasar at the University of Bristol, could bring new treatments for Alzheimer's a step closer. Dr Balthasar and her team are setting out to understand how a protein called tau, which is known to build up and tangle inside brain cells in Alzheimer's disease, interferes with the cells' energy-producing 'power stations', called mitochondria. Previous research has shown that as tau accumulates, the mitochondria are no longer able to reach certain parts of the cell, and less able to produce the amount of energy needed for cells to function. The team believe that damage to mitochondria may play a key role in the death of brain cells as the disease progresses. To combat this, the researchers will examine potential methods to keep the mitochondria working properly. As part of their study, they will investigate a protein called SIRT3, which is known to help mitochondria function in times of stress.