SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – Doctors at UCSF have discovered a potential new path to treating Alzheimer's — it involves training certain brain cells to make repairs.
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The treatment focuses on microglia cells, which act as the brain's alarm system of sorts when there are problems. They can begin repairs or they can create problems, which is what happens in diseases like Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
Dr. Martin Kampmann, senior author of the new study and associate professor of biochemistry and biophysics at UCSF, told KCBS Radio's Kathy Novak on "As Prescribed," they have been focused on getting these cells to work for them.
Using CRISPR technology, health experts are changing the cells' behaviors.
He said this technique could possibly be applied to treatments for Parkinson's disease, as well as ALS.
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