the torch Winter 2014, Issue 4 | Page 19

F C U S O N R E S E A R C H “We are working toward defining the mechanisms that occur when folate is removed from the diet and correcting the progression of neuronal damage that occurs in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.” – Teodoro Bottiglieri, Ph.D. required to prevent the formation of P-Tau, a toxic protein that accumulates in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease and causes destruction of neurons. If the build-up of P-Tau in the brain is reduced this will limit the damage to neurons and prevent loss of cognitive function. B vitamins play an especially important role in the presence of a frontline drug used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Bottiglieri and his team showed that Levodopa (L-dopa), a medication that reduces motor function symptoms by restoring dopamine in the brain, also increases homocysteine in the blood. The researchers demonstrated that L-dopa can also increase the amount of P-Tau in brain tissue, and this may lead to similar changes seen in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. “L-dopa is a wonderful drug that helps a lot of people,” says Dr. Bottiglieri. “But one of the side effects of taking L-dopa is it produces homocysteine, which raises the risk for vascular disease and dementia. It also interferes with methylation and cause changes in the brain that affect the normal function of neurons. These effects are accentuated where there’s a vitamin B deficiency.” Dr. Bottiglieri’s goal is to reverse the changes induced by L-dopa with vitamin B supplementation so that people with Parkinson’s disease, who may require long-term treatment, can safely take the drug. For more information on research initiatives at Baylor, contact Sarah Burdi at 214.820.4721 or [email protected]. 19