Scientific Studies

Our scientists are at the forefront of research and, based on their understanding of how the disease ravages the brain, have developed many insights into how the devastating symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease might be prevented or delayed.

We have selected recent samples of scientific studies from major publications such as Nature, Science and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).  Our lab publishes a multitude of findings per year in our quest to find the cure for Alzheimer’s disease. 

Listed below you will find a synopsis of each of the studies provided, click on the link in blue, and you have the option to view a full description and to download the original version if you so desire.

Have a question about a certain type of research into Alzheimer’s disease and want to find one of our studies?*  Contact Betsey Odell at betsey@alzinfo.org

• Casein Kinase 1:
Casein Kinase 1 is a therapeutic target which may be the key to halting the course of Alzheimer’s disease.  The findings show that chemicals that block casein kinase 1 do not interfere with an essential pathway that is often blocked by other experimental anti-amyloid compounds.

• Tau:
The neurofibrillary tangles characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease are composed of the protein called “tau.”  In this study, Fisher scientists found a new way to inhibit production of neurofibrillary tangles.  The quantity of tangles in the Alzheimer’s brain is closely correlated with the degree of cognitive decline, suggesting that tangles or the changes known to occur in the tau protein that precede tangles may contribute to cognitive loss in Alzheimer’s. 

• WAVE 1:
WAVE 1 is a protein and a key regulator of connections between brain cells.  It controls the formation of new cell connections which influence thinking and behavior.  This knowledge will one day allow doctors to administer drugs that may either prevent the loss of brain cell connections in Alzheimer’s or stimulate the growth of new connections to restore memory and lost function.

• P11:
The P11 study is a blueprint for a new way to treat depression and agitation.  In Alzheimer’s patents, depression is a major problem that often results in agitation.  Depression in normal people is also a risk factor making it more likely that a person will eventually develop Alzheimer’s.  P11 is a protein found in the brain of humans and other mammals.  Our study found that p11 controls the brain’s responses to the neurotransmitter serotonin, and can cure depression-like state in mice.  This discovery has been hailed the most important even tin depression research in the last 25 years because it is expected to provide a new way to treat depression.

* One of our major goals is to develop drugs that effectively lower beta-amyloid levels in the brain, and by doing so, alleviate the major symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.  In Alzheimer’s the progressive loss of cognitive function is accompanied by pathologic changes in the brain.  One of these is the formation of plaques sometimes described as tiny “Brillo pads” in the space between nerve cells.  The brain plaques in Alzheimer’s are composed of a sticky protein called beta-amyloid.  As amyloid builds up it injures and kills brain cells and brings on the symptoms of the disease.  In earlier studies, Fisher scientists determined that they could produce a compound that lowered beta-amyloid by as much as 90%, but the compound had serious toxic side effects.  Our scientists continued to study this important phenomenon and have now discovered a substance that dramatically lowers beta-amyloid. We have recently developed new ways to deliver these potential anti-Alzheimer's drugs to the brain efficiently.  Continue to visit this page for more major findings by the scientist at the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research.