Fisher Center Scientists Identify Protective Molecule That Could Lead to New Class of Alzheimer's Medications

NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation is proud to announce they have funded a significant new finding through research conducted by Fisher Center scientists at The Rockefeller University in an effort to find a cure for Alzheimer's.

"I am so pleased to announce that with the help of the funding support we provide to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Laboratory at The Rockefeller University, they have identified a finding that will possibly pave the way for new Alzheimer's treatments," said Kent L. Karosen, President/CEO Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation. "We are proud to fund the research done by one of the most notable research labs in the United States working to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease."

As published in the scientific journal Nature, Fisher Center scientists at The Rockefeller University in New York City identified a series of naturally occurring molecular steps – known as a pathway – that can decrease the production of beta amyloid, which contributes to the memory loss, and other symptoms that patients with Alzheimer's often suffer from.

The discovery centers around a protein called WAVE 1, which the scientists found to be important in the production of beta amyloid. The reduction of WAVE 1 appears to have a protective effect against the disease.

"This finding is significant as it provides an opportunity to create new treatments that will protect the brain by activating the pathway we discovered, which will prevent beta amyloid formation," said Nobel Laureate Dr. Paul Greengard, Director of The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research. "This finding could not have been made possible without the ongoing support from the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation."

About the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation
Led by President and CEO, Kent L. Karosen, the Foundation was established in 1995 by Zachary Fisher to fund Alzheimer's research at the Rockefeller University. The Foundation has received the exceptional 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator for the fourth consecutive year.

The Fisher Center at The Rockefeller University is one of the largest and most modern facilities in the world dedicated to solving the puzzle of Alzheimer's, and considered by many to be a prototype for Alzheimer's research. The Center is led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Paul Greengard, recipient of multiple awards and honors throughout his career, and includes a research team of over 50 world-renowned scientists. To learn more about the Fisher Center's innovative research, go to www.ALZinfo.org

About The Rockefeller University
The Rockefeller University is a world-renowned center for research and graduate education in the biomedical sciences, chemistry, bioinformatics and physics. The university's 76 laboratories conduct both clinical and basic research and study a diverse range of biological and biomedical problems with the mission of improving the understanding of life for the benefit of humanity.

Contact: Jaymie Arkin, Communications Manager, the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation
212-915-1322
[email protected]

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SOURCE Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation

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http://www.ALZinfo.org