While there is no treatment to stop the progression of a heart-wrenching disease like Alzheimer's, let alone a cure, University of Alberta researchers are working at the forefront to solve the puzzle.
Unraveling the Alzheimer's enigma can't happen soon enough, as the disease that robs people of their memory and personality affects an estimated 47,000 Albertans today. That number is expected to nearly double over the next 15 years when one in five Albertans will be a senior.
Sue-Ann Mok, assistant professor in biochemistry, is one of the U of A scientists at the Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute using a blend of biochemical, cell biology and genetic approaches to pull apart the Alzheimer's mystery.
"I'm interested in a fascinating type of cell in our brains called neurons," said Mok. "Unlike some of the other cells in our body, neurons have to live a really long time, often our entire lives, so they face special challenges as cells. They have to invest much of their resources into making sure all their components, such as proteins, stay in working order."
Mok says to think of proteins as precisely shaped machine parts that assemble together to perform a job. Proteins need to fold into very specific shapes to carry out their functions. People may be surprised to learn that proteins constantly lose their correct shape but incorrectly shaped proteins are repairable.
"There's a special group of proteins called molecular chaperones that help to fold proteins in the cell," said Mok. "My research investigates how these molecular chaperones work and what happens when they stop working and proteins start to morph into incorrect shapes that are toxic and promote diseases like Alzheimer's."
By better understanding the changes in the brain that drive the damaging effects of misfolding proteins, U of A researchers may eventually be able to stop Alzheimer's in its tracks. Sue-Ann Mok will take part in the Festival of Health at the University of Alberta on May 25 to share more about her research in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
Festival of Health
Register here for your free ticket
May 25, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Edmonton Clinic Health Academy
North Campus, University of Alberta
Booths and Children's Activities Area
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Learning Session and Tours Block 1
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Barbecue and Entertainment
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Rapid Fire Presentations and Ask The Experts: Q & A Session
1 - 2:30 p.m.
Learning Sessions and Tours Block 2
3 - 4 p.m.
More information available at uab.ca/healthfest.