Alzhimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to gradual memory loss which later progresses to a more rapid loss of cognitive ability, basic function, and recollection of events. Both long and short term memory become severely hindered. The rapid deterioration of the brain is caused by plaque buildup around brain cells that prevent the neurons from firing and communicating, thus leading to memory loss and limited brain function.
Unfortunately, Alzhimer’s remains the most common neurodegenerative disease in humans; one in every nine people above the age of sixty-five are diagnosed with Alzhimers (roughly 10.8% of people over sixty-five). Due to the limited understanding of the causes of Alzhiemer’s, there is no absolute cure.
However, recently the noble gas Xenon has been shown to stimulate a “neuroprotective protective effect against Alzheimer’s Disease” (Corbley). This commonly used anesthetic promotes a reduced brain inflammation, minimizes atrophy and promotes protective neuronal states. Xenon also shows signs of breaking down the toxic plaque covering brain cells, allowing for a reactivated brain function and slowing of plaque growth. Although this treatment has only presently been tested in mice stimulated with an Alzheimer’s model, scientists remain hopeful and are looking forward to seeing the results when tested on humans.