It might have some merits, but don't think it is that straight forward.
We have to bear in mind that we run on electricity. In fact, the brain is a complex, yet beautifully engineered electrical and chemical powerhouse. In the simplest of terms, think of cells (neurons) as small factories that perform dozens of vital functions. They produce energy, enzymes and proteins. They also store the information produced, which is transmitted across a neural network of interrelated and interconnected cells via a specialised transportation system.
Each cell creates energy because of an unequal distribution of electrically charged particles between the interior and exterior of the cell. This energy is conveyed across the network via electrical signals, which are converted into chemical signals, and then back into electrical again, further down the line. Transmission of signals occurs at a point called the synapse where neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers if you like, pass the information from one cell and another.
Studies have already established the presence of certain toxic proteins in AD that induce chemical imbalances by causing alterations and disruptions within cell structures. These proteins are known as amyloid plaques and tau. They not only impair cell function, they can also cause cell degeneration, eventually leading to cell death. It is also believed that that there is a correlation between loss of synapse and cognitive decline and memory loss. Given the vital role that each factory plays within the neural network, it goes without saying how important they are and that they have to be healthy for us to function properly.
The problem is that scientists have yet to discover the mechanisms that give rise to these toxic proteins. This is compounded by the fact that there is still a lot that we don’t know about the brain, that dementia affects people in different ways and that there is no single cause. Vascular dementia for example, is caused by a blockage of one of the penetrating arteries that provide blood to the brain's deep structures. Some cases may also reveal enlarged ventricles. This is associated with neurodegenerative disease. Ventricles are cavities within the brain that are filled with cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF), which supplies nutrients to the brain.
Some people may argue that dementia is caused by our lifestyle habits, poor dietary habits, pollutants in the environment, taking medication that is no good for us (like benzodiazepines), falls and head injury, smoking, lack of, or too much exercise, or free radicals for example. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that bounce around inside the cell and can damage cell structures. Given the nature of how the cell works, perhaps the problem is caused by issues within the electrochemical process. Perhaps it could be a combination of all these factors. We just don’t know. However, we need to consider everything and attempt to mitigate any risk.
What we do now is that dementia is not going to go away. It isn’t age related and shouldn’t be dismissed as such. As a wider community of people who have experienced dementia in one way or another, we have to stay positive and we must stay focused. A lot of people are working very hard to find a solution to this problem. But we do need a tidal shift in thinking, perceptions and attitudes, and we also need to shift the balance of research investment towards the dementia side of the scales. As things currently stand, investment into dementia research is circa £90 million, compared with the £560 million invested in cancer research. Given the magnitude of the problem, which is projected to get worse in the coming years, something needs to change.
My mother died because of dementia (AD and vascular), and like so many of you on this forum, I too am driven by a strong desire to see an end to this horrible and cruel disease. But there’s still so much work to be done, however.
Another thing we can all be certain of is that we will not always be around, but defeating dementia today must become our legacy for tomorrow. This is the goal I would like to see being reached in my lifetime at least.