Alzheimer’s disease is a growing concern in our society. Research has shown that the root of Alzheimer’s disease may be a protein called tau that is in the brain, but going after this protein has produced mixed results.  The findings of the report Science Translational Medicine states that a modified DNA-like structure called antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are designed to recognize and hold together specific RNA molecules halting them from producing a certain protein. What this means regarding Alzheimer’s is that ASOs may be able to reduce levels of existing tau and prevent its formation.  This has shown promise in some diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy and Huntington’s disease. It has been tested on mice and monkeys. It has shown progress in its subjects so far. The ASOs prevented cognitive problems in mice of taupathies which include Alzheimer’s, supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal ganglionic degeneration. Also, decreased brain inflammation preventing neuronal death and reducing tau aggregates in the brain. The question now is, Is it safe for human trials? The researchers are still working on it, and do not yet have a component that is eligible for human trials. Even though tests were made on mice and monkeys and showed to be successful, the ASOs are still not safe enough to run on humans.

            I believe in the ASOs. They have shown significant results in the tested subjects producing lower levels of the tau protein and it lowered the levels of many neuronal diseases such that, eventually, it will be effective on humans. When it is effective on humans, we might have a cure, finally, for the awful disease which is Alzheimer’s. Hopefully one day, when we have a cure, hopefully someday soon, many lives that are being affected by it may be helped and put at ease that their loved ones and even themselves are no longer threatened by the brain deteriorating disease and the sadness that they will eventually forget even their close friends and family.

Works Cited

New DNA-Like Drugs Show Promise in Treating Alzheimer’s Stetka, B. (n.d.). Editorial Director at Medscape. New York City, New York, USA: Scientific American.