Statement
on Theoretical Study on Role of Calcium in Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer
Society of Canada
July
30, 2004
A
research paper by Dr. Danton O'Day, a biology professor
at the University of Toronto and Michael Myre, a doctoral
candidate, theorizes that the protein "calmodulin" (an
activator of certain protein enzymes in cells) can react
to too much calcium and produce the characteristic development
of Alzheimer's disease. This is to be published in the
August 6, 2004 issue of the Biochemical and Biophysical
Research Communications journal.
"The
involvement of calmodulin in Alzheimer's disease is speculative
and controversial at this point," says Dr. Howard
Mount, Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases
at the University of Toronto and a member of the Alzheimer
Society of Canada Biomedical Review Panel. "Patients
should always consult with their physician if they have
concerns about any medications. However, there is no
reason on the basis of this paper for individuals to
stop taking calcium supplements."
The
Alzheimer Society of Canada encourages more research
in this area and in other areas of Alzheimer's disease.
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