New method developed by IIT-G to prevent memory loss due to Alzheimer

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati scientists have discovered a new method to help prevent or reduce short-term memory losses associated with Alzheimer’s disease. In this method, the researchers used ‘Trojan peptides’ to arrest the aggregation of the neurotoxic molecules.

The idea of using ‘Trojan peptide’ was initiated from the mythological “Trojan Horse” used as subterfuge by the Greeks in the battle of Troy.

The researchers have designed Trojan peptides by adopting a similar approach of deceit to impede the aggregation of the amyloid peptide. It will arrest the formation of toxic fibrillar assemblies and reduce the poisoning of nerve cells that leads to memory loss.

This new method is expected to extend the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

It will be tested in animal models and clinical trials. After a successful trial, it will be brought in such new therapeutic approaches into human treatment.

In 2019, IIT-Guwahati scientists discovered that a low-voltage, safe electrical field that can reduce the formation and accumulation of toxic neurodegenerative molecules that cause short-term memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease.

They also found that the external electric and magnetic field modulates the structure of these peptide molecules. Upon exposure to the electric field, the degeneration of nerve cells could extent 17-35%. Objectively, the method will translate to about a 10 years delay in the onset of the disease.