Nanotechnology in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Nanowerk has recently done an article how how potential nanotechnology can play a role in helping to cure Alzheimer's disease. The article starts off by stating that Alzheimer's disease is an ever growing problem which is may affect 1 in 85 Americans by 2050. The only way to diagnosis Alzheimer's disease is by examining brain tissue during an autopsy. The disease is the most common form of dementia and destroy's brain cells.

Nazem, at the Qaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Iran and Mansoori a professor in the Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical Engineering & Physics at the University of Illinois at Chicago are currently working on nanotechnology diagnostics approaches for Alzheimer's. Bio-barcode assays and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) nanosensors are two methods currently being developed in order to obtain a cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) sample instead of a spinal tap, which will play a role for allowing early detection of the disease while minimizing complications. The development of a safe and implantable nanoscale biosensor for prolonged monitoring of Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in the CSF, is the ultimate goal of the two scientists.

On the treatment end of the disease the author's point out that "the current and envisioned applications of nanotechnology in neurology consist of neuroprotection, neuroregeneration, and drug delivery beyond the brain blood barrier." Applications include nanoparticles in reducing oxidative stress and in designing potent anti-oxidants to prevent the toxicity associated with the disease pathogens. In order for any drug to be successful it must overcome the blood brain barrier and be delivered into the target cells in the brain. Brief mention is also made to how stem cell technology could in combination with nanotechnology find a cure for Alzheimer's disease.

The article in nanowerk was written byMichael Berger I frankly I thought it could have used a lot of work. The graph showing the rapid increase in the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease was not provided in the article and I feel is very effective in demonstrating the potential effects this disease can have. Further, mention was made to the risks of a lumbar puncture but no specific reasons were given, such as the fact that it can cause a post lumbar puncture headache and infection. The author did address issues surrounding the blood brain barrier so I am not sure of the disparity in the article.

I did not feel as if the author presented the medical side of the story well, but he also placed a large emphasis on this point while neglecting to address the nanotechnology and materials science involved. Mention of mechanisms for treatment and diagnostics was given but beyond that not much. In addition a figure addressing a summary of applications of nanotechnology in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease was seemingly just thrown into the center of the document. It was never referenced and did not really seem to fit well with the rest of the article.

References

http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=5262.php