In the results of a new, limited study, a California doctor is reporting that gene therapy may slow down decreased mental functioning in patient's with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Mark H. Tuszynski of the University of California, San Diego conducted the study using eight patients. Six of these patients received a gene transfer and the other two did not. Of the six treated, all exhibited a slower rate of decline in the 22 months following treatment than they did in the 14 months prior.

Dr. Tuszynski published the results of this study on Sunday in the online version of Nature Magazine. According to a spokesperson for Ceregene, a company that Dr. Tuszynski founded, this is the first instance of genetic therapy being used in relation to Alzheimer's.

Researchers in this study focused on the gene that is responsible for the production of neve growth. They used the patients' skin cells and transported the gene into the cell by using a virus. Once the cells began to develop the growth factor, they were injected into the patients' brains.

Certainly, a lot of work is needed in this area, but any progress in finding ways to control this disease is welcome news to all.