A recent study conducted by researchers at University of South California found out out why chronic stress worsens Alzheimer's disease, according to ANI.The study, which was published in the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, discovered how the gene RCAN1 can enhance the progression of dementia-related diseases.
Kelvin Davies, the James E Birren Chair at USC Davis School of Gerontology and professor of Molecular Biology, observed rats, more specifically, their brain function and found that mental stresses caused higher levels of the gene RCAN1, which leads to neurodegenerative diseases.
Davies discussed previous research as well, pointing out that Alzheimer's also develops due to excess of amyloid beta peptide and tau hyperphosphorylation. "Both are clearly important, and RCAN1 could be the link," Davies said.
There are more than five million Americans who suffer from Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association. It is a disease that affects the cognitive abilities, and as patients get worse, they are put into assisted living facilities or provided with home care so they can be continually monitored.
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