A DSU Professor is getting support for his work with Alzheimer’s Disease.
?Dr. Michael Gitcho, an assistant professor of Biological Sciences at DSU, has received a $100,000 grant from the Alzheimer’s Association for his research of a specific protein and it’s potential link to Alzheimer’s.
The protein, known as TDP-43, is a cellular protein that is a critical component in the normal functions of brain cells.
When the TDP-43 protein is altered in lab mice, the subjects often develop neurological diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and forms of dementia like Alzheimer’s Disease.
Gitcho’s research has also found that up to 50 percent of people with Alzheimer’s have the altered TDP-43 protein.
Gitcho says he is optimistic that researching the link between this protein and Alzheimer’s could give us a better understanding of the disease and better treatment of it
“Understanding the basic biology of what’s going on with this is really important as far as understanding the pathogenesis of this devastating disease," said Gitcho. "The greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is aging. As our population increases in age, the disease prevalence is going to increase also.”?
Gitcho adds that the grant will not only aid his current studies, but also help nurture students who will join the search for treatments and a cure.
“What’s exciting here is that I have an opportunity to work and mentor undergraduates, graduates, and post-docs in my lab," said Gitcho. "It really just takes hands-on work of people involved and dedication for us to find some answers.”??
Gitcho's current research goal is to understand the all of the mechanisms associated with the TDP-43 protein's link with Alzheimer's. In the future, he hopes to use this knowledge to create new therapeutic methods.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia that inhibits brain functions like memory, reasoning, and critical thinking over many years, eventually making even the most basic of tasks nearly impossible.
??Currently, there are over 5 million American’s living the disease. It is predicted that that number will triple by the year 2050.
Gitcho mother passed away from Alzheimer's about a decade ago, which helped spur his research. He adds that organization's like the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association provide a great help to patients and families dealing with Alzheimer's
"Delaware is very fortunate to have such a strong foundation here," said Gitcho.
For more information about the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, visit alz.org/desjsepa.