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On World Alzheimer's Day, the IIS Aragón makes visible one of the investigations into this disease that is currently being developed.
Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease that affects memory and the ability to self-care that affects millions of people around the world, and its early detection is essential to provide effective treatment and improve the quality of life of patients. But, What if we could predict who is at risk of developing Alzheimer's before clinical symptoms appear?? An exciting research project, in which the IIS Aragón participates, aims to do precisely that, and does so through the study of biomarkers based on RNA metabolism, in particular, microRNAs.
MicroRNAs: keys to future diagnosis
MicroRNAs are small RNA molecules that play a fundamental role in regulating gene expression in our cells. These tiny particles can act as switches, turning specific genes on or off. Scientists have discovered that microRNA profiles in the body can change in response to different health conditions, including those related to neurodegenerative diseases.
How does the project work?
This research project focuses on analyzing blood samples from patients in a pre-dementia phase, mild cognitive impairment, to identify specific microRNA patterns.
The main objective is to find patterns of microRNAs that are indicative of a high probability of progression towards Alzheimer's in patients with mild cognitive impairment. If this goal is achieved, doors will open for earlier and more accurate diagnosis of the disease, allowing patients and their families to make informed decisions and plan disease management.
Potential Benefits
Early detection: Early identification of patients at risk of developing Alzheimer's will allow for more effective medical intervention and treatment in the early stages of the disease, which can slow its progression.
Improved quality of life: Patients and their families will be able to make more informed decisions about the care and management of the disease, which could improve the quality of life for all those affected.
Health cost savings: Early detection and effective treatment can reduce costs associated with the long-term care of Alzheimer's patients.
Who is behind this project?
The development of this project at the Health Research Institute of Aragon (IIS Aragón), in the Neurosciences, mental health and sensory organs Program, is the fruit of a successful collaboration between two groups of specialists: the Liaison Psychiatry Group, with experience in Alzheimer's Disease, and the LAGENBIO team: TERAGEN and REGENERAGEN, specialized in the Development of Biomarkers. In addition, the Geriatrics Service of the Nuestra Señora de Gracia Provincial Hospital has also joined this initiative. The researchers participating in this project, in addition to belonging to the Aragon Health Research Institute, belong to the University of Zaragoza and the CIBERNED (Center for Networked Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases). This project has managed to unite the efforts of clinical researchers and basic scientists to achieve its objectives effectively.
Conclusion
The project has as objective is the identification of biomarkers based on the metabolism of microRNAs to anticipate the evolution of Alzheimer's in patients with mild cognitive impairment. It constitutes a crucial step towards a future in which early detection of this disease is a reality. This promise of more accurate and faster diagnosis not only has the potential to change lives, but also to provide hope to those facing Alzheimer's and their loved ones.
