New research suggests that a brain protein（蛋白质） that has changed form may be the cause of brain disorders -- including Alzheimer's Disease（阿兹海默老年痴呆症）. Researchers say they have developed a treatment that may cause the protein to return to its original form, preventing the disease from developing or reversing （逆转）the effects of the damage in people who already suffer from Alzheimer's.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, found that the shape of the protein -- which is called "tau" -- is changed by severe injuries to the brain. The scientists say when people are hit in the head many times, they develop a condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy（慢性脑部疾病）, or CTE.
CTE develops in soldiers with head injuries. People who play American football also suffer from CTE after being hit in the head many times. The memory, judgment and ability to function are affected in people with CTE.
The researchers recently published an article about their findings in the journal Nature. Mr. Pascual-Leone and his colleagues reported that they had developed a treatment that returns the damaged tau to its original, undamaged form. He says it might be possible to use the treatment to stop the development of Alzheimer's Disease. And he suggests it could also slow the loss of brain function in people who already have the disease.
Scientists discovered the tau in mice that suffered brain injuries began changing form in as little as 12 hours after the mice were hit in the head.
Researchers hope to develop a blood test or use machines that can see into the brain to help them identify changed tau. Early identification of the problem in people with brain injury could help doctors treat them quickly and stop the tau from changing.
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