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Grants > Effect of Cyclooxygenase Activity on Amyloid Updated On: Jan. 19, 2025
Alzheimer's Disease Research Grant

Effect of Cyclooxygenase Activity on Amyloid

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Principal Investigator

John Oates, MD

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Nashville, TN, USA

About the Research Project

Program

Alzheimer's Disease Research

Award Type

Standard

Award Amount

$500,000

Active Dates

August 01, 2004 - July 31, 2007

Grant ID

A2004517

Summary

This study focuses on the effects of an enzyme, cyclo-oxygenase, on amyloid beta, the protein fragment that aggregates into plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. The process by which amyloid beta accumulates and clumps together to create plaques is not well understood, but scientists think it is central to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The study may shed light on how non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen are thought to lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. NSAIDs are known to inhibit the actions of cyclo-oxygenases, and the scientists believe that if they can succeed in creating a more powerful compound to block cyclo-oxygenase activity, it could lead to a drug that would actually halt the disease. Current Alzheimer’s drugs treat the symptoms, but no drug has been found yet to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.