Calm The Microglia
Shifting the focus from symptoms to slowing the decline: A new combination therapy hypothesis for neurodegenerative diseases.
ALZHEIMER, PARKINSON, MOTOR NEURON DISEASES
AN EXPLANATION AND A THERAPY
An explanation of these diseases demands a
“final common pathway”
to account for the following:
1. The similarities in clinical features and pathology of the
apparently “spontaneous” (sporadic) and definitely genetic
(Mendelian) forms of these diseases.
2. The frequent overlap of these diseases, for instance, Alzheimer’s
patients may have some elements of Parkinson’s and vice-versa;
some patients with motor neuron disease have dementia.
3. Trauma to the head predisposes to these diseases.
The most likely candidate as “the final effector cell of progression” is the microgliocyte.
The microgliocyte is also likely “the final effector cell of progression” in progressive multiple sclerosis, a disease that may cause visual disability by affecting the optic nerves.
Reversals of progressive multiple sclerosis, documented by measures of ordinary vision and colour vision, have been described in response to certain therapies (see “attached” Time Magazine article and publications).
(A similar “combination therapy” in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis was found to be not effective)
“Reversals” in progressive multiple sclerosis are possible as myelin within the brain may regenerate. The “Reversals” are felt likely to reflect a “dampening of activity” of the microgliocyte.
The same therapy is thus felt likely to be beneficial in some patients with Alzheimer, Parkinson, and motor neuron diseases. As in these diseases, cells that die cannot regenerate, the effect, if present, shall be a lessening of the rate of decline
The therapy is a combination of Azathioprine with Glatiramer acetate or anyone of the four forms of Interferon-beta.
The thesis states these diseases are a form of auto-immunity,
the “apparent disease” reflecting those cells “targeted” by the microgliocyte. Thus for cells that synthesise amyloid, Alzheimer’s results; for cells that synthesise alpha-synuclein, Parkinson’s results; for cells that contribute to contraction of muscle, motor neuron disease results.
“Pilot Trials are advocated in the following: in progressive multiple sclerosis associated with visual disability, and in rapidly progressive forms of Alzheimer and motor neuron diseases.
