Hope for dementia and Parkinson's as scientists find drive for diseases affecting brain function
Scientists believe they've found the culprit behind nearly all neurological diseases, in a breakthrough that could offer hope to millions. The star-shaped cells usually help clear away toxic particles that build up in the brain naturally or after head trauma, and are supposed to nourish neurons. But laboratory tests on mice show astrocytes also release toxic fatty acids to kill off damaged neurons, confirming a suspicion many neurologists have had for years. Lead researcher Professor Shane Liddelow, of New York University, said: 'Our findings show the toxic fatty acids produced by astrocytes play a critical role in brain cell death.' Scientists say neuron killing toxic fatty acids produced by a type cell called an astrocyte could be driving force behind nearly all diseases affecting brain function, such as dementia Dementia is the leading cause of death in UK and the developed world, with modern habits and increasing life expectancy to blame.
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