Gene treatments that reduce or prevent the effect of Motor Neuron Disease and Alzheimer’s may be possible, after Macquarie University researchers revealed that they can use gene therapies to by-pass the brains defences and halt the progression of these diseases and in some cases even allow the return of some functions.

Alzheimers and Motor Neuron Disease are both debilitating degenerative diseases that are a disease of the brain, both of which currently have no cure.

The breakthrough could also assist in childhood epilepsy down the track. The researchers plan to test their lab findings in human clinical trials.

Image: Image: Courtesy Macquarie University

Produced By: Roderick Chambers

Featured In Story: Professor Lars Ittner, Dimentia Research Centre, Macquarie University

First aired on The Wire, Friday 27 May 2022