Inflammation and the Brain - What's New?
Many people think of inflammation as a bad thing. But the body's inflammatory process - redness, heat, swelling, pain in the case of a wound, for example - is the immune system's defense against any invading pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and worms). It basically helps us fight off any unwanted invaders and keeps us alive. There are cases, however, where inflammation can be too much of a good thing. It's like when you spill red wine on the carpet; adding a little club soda is good, but keep on pouring and in time you'll have a rotted carpet, not to mention the flooring underneath. Sometimes, the inflammatory process persists and this can lead to disease (or worsen existing problems). It could be that the invaders are persistent, or that certain proteins are formed which the body perceives as dangerous and therefore keeps on attacking.
Scientists have known for some time that inflammation plays a role in brain diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, MS and ALS, but the exact mechanism is not yet known. One promising discovery is that, although each of these diseases has its own specific disease mechanism, there appears to be considerable similarity in the ways in which the inflammatory responses are amplified in each one. This amplified inflammatory response then exacerbates the pathological effects of the disease, leading to damage, and ultimately death, of neurons. The theory is that, if this neuroinflammation could be inhibited, the disease process could be slowed.
A vital question, not yet answered, is whether it will be possible to target the inflammatory processes involved in these diseases in a safe and effective manner. There are several therapeutic approaches that are currently in development, as well as others that are in clinical trials, or have already been tested. It's an approach that obviously requires caution, however, as suppressing the immune system could lead to leaving the patient vulnerable to invaders.
Join us on World Brain Day, July 22, to find out more about the fascinating current research in this important area of brain inflammation. You can register for the session on our website.