Alzheimer’s disease is an incurable and irreversible neurodegenerative form of dementia. It is feared by everyone because of the way by which it attacks a person. A person affected by Alzheimer’s disease loses his entire past and does not know what his present is. The slow rotting away of an individual is a horrible experience for the close relatives. All persons affected by this disease are not affected in the same way. Some do not show any cognitive decline while others fade away rapidly. Although there is no known cure for this disease, it would be helpful for the people close to the patients if they know what to expect.
Scientists have discovered a blood test which may help predict the course of progression of Alzheimer’s disease. As the disease progresses, the blood level of ceramides increases while the level of plasma sphingomelins decrease. Thus, greater the blood ceramide levels greater would be the deterioration. Ceramides are formed from sphingomyelin by the action of an enzyme called sphingomyelinase. Thus, this enzyme could be the future target for inhibition so that the progression of the disease could be reduced.
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