Aadya Sharma

06/05/17
Annotated Source List

Akiyama, Haruhiko, et al. "Inflammation and Alzheimer's disease."Neurobiology of Aging. U.S.

National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 21 Dec. 2016.

Summary: Review
This review analyzes the effects of anti-inflammatory medications on Alzheimers.
Inflammation has been thought to be a symptom of Alzheimers by some scientists, and
the cause of the disease by others. It has been shown that there are many inflammatory
mediators in the AD brain. Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the brain facilitate the
production inflammatory factors. Drugs targeted at inhibiting COX-2 were shown to
alleviate the symptoms of inflammation. The implementation of anti-inflammatory
medication may not cure Alzheimers, but may be likely to help slow its progression and
delay its onset.

Application to Research
This source is extremely valuable; it allows me to fill in the gaps of my knowledge by
providing me with specific information about the correlation between inflammation and
AD.

"Alzheimer's Drug Candidate May Be First to Prevent Disease Progression - Salk Institute for
Biological Studies." Salk Institute for Biological Studies. N.p., 30 Dec. 2011. Web. 30 Nov. 2016.

Summary: Article
This article is about an Alzheimers Drug study conducted by scientists at the Salk
Institute for Biological scientists. A curcumin-derived drug known as J147 was tested and
found to improve memory in mice with the disease. They orally delivered the drug to
mice and found that the mice with Alzheimers were able to complete a memory task
almost as well as mice without the disease. Mice and rats treated with the drug produced
more of the protein, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a molecule that protects neurons
from toxic insults, helps new neurons grow and connect with other brain cells, and is
involved in memory formation.

Application to Research
There are so many more naturally produced foods that could be used to treat AD! This
study is relatively recent, but I wonder why it has not been picked up by the medical
world. The information found here supports the theory that the beta-amyloid hypothesis
may not be correct. J147 protects nerve cells, like the immune system. Maybe the answer
lies in developing something more potent that could further aid the immune system.

Banks, William A., et al. "Lipopolysaccharide-induced blood-brain barrier disruption: roles of

cyclooxygenase, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and elements of the neurovascular unit."
Journal of Neuroinflammation 12.223 (2015): n. pag. Researchgate.net. Web. 21 Jan. 2017.
Summary: Study
 This study was conducted to determine the effects of inflammation on BBB disruption.
Doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were administered to mice to induce inflammation,
and C-sucrose and radioactively labeled albumin were used to measure BBB disruption.
Results indicated that the BBB is relatively resistant to LPS induced inflammation, and
only large doses of LPS resulted in BBB disruption in specific regions of the brain. It
appears that astrocytes, microglia/macrophages, and pericytes play little role in the LPS-
mediated disruption of the BBB.

Application to Research
This supports my hypothesis that the BBB is intact in AD, and thus prevents the delivery
of many AD drugs.

Chen Z, Zhong C. Diss. Elsevier Ltd., n.d. Study. Decoding Alzheimer's disease from perturbed
cerebral glucose metabolism: implications for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies (2013): 1-1.
Print.

Summary: Study
This study was performed to determine the consequences of cerebral hypometabolism in
AD. Glucose metabolism plays a key role in the pathological progression of Alzheimers.
Alzheimers patients experience altered thymine metabolism and glucose
hypometabolism, which means that they are unable to convert glucose into energy
efficiently. This is because their brains become resistant to insulin as a result of the
disease.

Application to Research
The information provided in this study helped me understand the correlation between
impaired glucose metabolism and the progression of AD. This supports the hypothesis for
my project; one solution to improve cognition would be to consume coconut oil, which
could cause the conversion of fat directly into energy, thereby providing fuel to neurons.

David Tube. Award Winning Horror Movie : Vienna waits for you. Online short film. Youtube.
Youtube, May 19 2014. Web. Sept. 21 2016.

Summary: Video
This short film is about the story of a woman who rents an apartment in Vienna after
breaking up with her boyfriend. Unbeknownst to her, the apartment is an evil
entity that sucks the life out of its tenant. After learning of this, she refuses to rent the
house out to anyone else and accepts her fate. The film ends with her becoming one
with the apartment as it swallows her.

Application to Research
I have studied this film and have learned how to implement music, camera angles, and
settings to create an engaging storyline. I have also learned how to compress
information to keep the film short. This will help me when I am making a short film to
showcase my research.
Devlin, Hannah. "Alzheimer's Treatment within Reach after Successful Drug Trial." The
Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 02 Nov. 2016. Web. 03 Nov. 2016.

Summary: Article
A BACE1 protein inhibitor has been shown to be successful in targeting visible signs of
Alzheimers in the brain, and to slow the pace of mental decline. The tablet is produced
by pharmaceutical company Merck and can reduce the formation of plaques in the brain
by halting a brain enzyme called BACE1 [that] fuels the production of two small
molecules that link together to form amyloids. Mercks drug could be cheaper and more
efficiently produced.

Application to Research
The information from this article is extremely useful, as it shows the current research and
breakthroughs that have appeared in treatments for Alzheimers. I could possibly research
something that branches off from these findings.

Dickson, Dennis W. "Apoptotic Mechanisms in Alzheimer Neurofibrillary Degeneration: Cause

or Effect?" Journal of Clinical Investigation J. Clin. Invest. 114.1 (2004): 23-27. Web.

Summary: Journal Article

Recent evidence has shown that the activation of cysteine aspartyl proteases (caspases)
could be involved in neuronal loss. The activation of caspases initiates apoptosis, the
programmed death of cells. The degree of cognitive impairment in Alzheimers is closely
related to the amount of abnormal tau proteins and depositions of Neurofibrillary tangles.
This is because tau proteins regulate the flow of nutrients in cells. Abnormalities in their
behavior and function may deprive the neurons of trophic support. This cascade effect is
crucial in understanding AD, and the multiple factors that, as a result of each other, may
lead to its pathological progression.

Application to Research
Wow! This journal article has provided me with a plethora of information correlating
the two individual possible causes of AD. And, it all comes back to the lack of nutrients,
therefore energy, going into the cells, causing them to be unable to function properly and
die. Again, coconut oil may be the answer, or I could branch off of this and research how
the root cause can be eliminated.

Downs ME, Buch A, et al. (2015) Long-Term Safety of Repeated Blood-Brain Barrier Opening
via Focused Ultrasound with Microbubbles in Non-Human Primates Performing a Cognitive
Task. PLOS ONE 10(6): e0130860. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130860

Summary: Study
This study was conducted determine the safety of repeated Blood Brain Barrier opening
in Primates. The BBB prevents 99% of molecules, those roughly larger than 400 Daltons,
from entering the brain. FUS was coupled with microbubbles to disrupt the BBB in
specific regions of the brain over a 4-6 month period. A number of tests and MRI scans
were done to determine any effects on cognitive function and any hemorrhages or edema.
 Overall, FUS and MB procedure, within given parameters, shows to be a safe method to
temporarily open the BBB with no long term effects.

Application to Research
This resource is especially important because it supports the safety of the procedure that
is the basis of my hypothesis. Curcumin itself is 368 Daltons large- big enough to be
blocked by the BBB. The tests were also conducted in primates, as opposed to rats, which
provides better evidence for its use in humans since the two animals are more closely
related to each other.

Eilperin, Juliet. "Hemp legalization effort gathers steam." Washington Post 13 Jan. 2013.
Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 23 Sept. 2016.

Summary: Newspaper Article

This newspaper article describes the many uses of hemp, and the reasons why its
legalization in the U.S. is necessary. The cultivation of hemp can also have a
positive impact on the environment. It can be grown organically with relative
ease, and its stalks not only store carbon but could potentially produce biomass
energy, In addition, hemp grows quickly, without requiring much
water, pesticides and fertilizers, and can be combined with water and lime to make
hempcrete, a type of concrete.

Application to Research
I feel that this topic is very important, as it will not only have a large impact on the U.S.
economy, but also on its green energy usage. If I wanted more information on this
topic, I would look to scientific sources, such as Nat. Geo., and Popular Science, to gain
more information of how hemp is used.

G, Shoba, et al. "Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and

human volunteers." Planta medica. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 07 Feb. 2017.

Summary: Study
This study analyzes the effects of piperine on the bioavailability of curcumin. Through
multiple clinical trials it is shown that piperine has the ability to improve the
bioavailability of curcumin by 2000%.

Application to Research
Another possible solution for the problem of curcumins bioavailability has been found
and proven to work.

Gallagher, Michela. Improving Memory and Brain Function on the Path to Alzheimer's
Disease. Youtube, 13 July 2011. Web.

Summary: Video
In this video, Michela Gallagher, a scientist at Johns Hopkins University, speaks of the
use of a drug used for epilepsy to combat cognitive impairment in Alzheimers. She and a
 team of scientists conducted a study to discover that there are specific cells that are
overactive in the parts of the brain in which amnestic memories form when memory is
failing. Gallaghers team discovered that aMCI patients who took a drug for epilepsy,
called levetiracetam, had reduced brain activity and improved performances on a memory
task.

Application to Research
I have learned of the other possible causes and prevention methods for AD that can be
compared to the one that I am researching, and they can possibly relate to the root cause
of the disease.

Ghalandarlaki, Negar, et al. "Nanotechnology-Applied Curcumin for Different Diseases

Therapy." BioMed Research International. Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2014. Web. 20 Dec.
2016.

Summary: Review
This review discusses the applications of Nanotechnology to improve the bioavailability
of curcumin. Curcumin has long been known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
antitumoral, apoptosis-inducing, and antiangiogenesis effects. However, due to its poor
water solubility, it has an extremely low bioavailability. Although many techniques were
implemented to improve its bioavailability, nanoparticles proved the most useful because
they elongated its circulation, provided better permeability and stronger resistance to
metabolic processes.

Application to Research
I hope to gain more information about multiple delivery methods to see what they have in
common and to gain an idea of the fundamentals of different techniques. I can use this
source as an example to prove my argument that implementing the FUS technique (along
with other methods) is a better way to improve the bioavailability of curcumin.

Gotz, J. (2017, March 23). A Discussion on SUS with Queensland University Scientist [Online
interview].

Summary: Interview
An interview with Alzheimers specialist and Scanning Ultrasound researcher that is able
to resolve many of the researchers misunderstandings about the subject and answer
questions pertaining to the research topic. For example, the researcher was able to find
that there is no difference between the Blood Brain Barrier of mice and humans.

Application to Research
Although this interview did not shower me with profound information/revelations, I was
able to clear up a lot of the misconceptions I had about the topic.

Halaris A, Leonard BE (eds): Inflammation in Psychiatry. Mod Trends Pharmacopsychiatry.

Basel, Karger, 2013, vol 28, pp 175187 (DOI: 10.1159/000346362)
 Summary: Journal Article
This is an excerpt from a journal article that analyzes the role of peripheral
inflammation in cognitive ageing. An acute inflammatory response is triggered when
tissue damage or pathogen invasion causes the release of proinflammatory cytokines.
Research has shown that, in humans, impairments in cognitive function have been
observed after the infusion of specific cytokines. The increased levels of these cytokines
interfere with a number of neuromolecular processes.

Application to Research
This source might link with a study conducted by Professor Gallagher at JHU. Gallagher
reported that neural hyperactivity resulted in lower performances on a memory task. This
neural hyperactivity could be that of microglia that increased the production of
proinflammatory cytokines which activate microglia and result in an inflammatory
response.

"How to Improve Absorption or Bioavailability of Turmeric?" Turmeric for Health! N.p., 10 Apr.
2014. Web. 07 Feb. 2017.

Summary: Article
This article/blog post describes the numerous health benefits of turmeric and the
bioavailability reducers that inhibit them. Curcumins bioavailability is decreased by its
rapid metabolism in the body, its low absorption, its low water solubility, and
subsequently, its low blood serum concentrations.

Application to Research
This helps support my claim that curcumin does not have as active an effect as it could
because it has a low bioavailability.

Hynynen, K., et. al. Local and reversible bloodbrain barrier disruption by noninvasive focused
ultrasound at frequencies suitable for trans-skull sonications. [Abstract]. NeuroImage, 24(1)
(2005), 12-20. doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2004.06.046

Summary: Study
This is a study conducted on rabbits and used to determine the effects of ultrasound and
BBB disruption on the brains of animals. Complete Blood Brain Barrier closure was
observed 5 hours after sonication. The closure was observed to begin minutes after the
treatment. There were no major adverse effects noted.

Application to Research
This helps answer one of the questions I had about the BBB closing time. I can also
compare this to the BBB closing times reported in other studies.

Jordo, Jessica F., et. al. "Amyloid- Plaque Reduction, Endogenous Antibody Delivery and
Glial Activation by Brain-targeted, Transcranial Focused Ultrasound." Experimental Neurology.
U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2013. Web. 06 Dec. 2016.
 Summary: Study
This study was conducted to determine the effects of transcranial focused ultrasound
(FUS) antibody delivery strategy on the brain. When applied on a mouse model of
Alzheimers, this technique was found to result in an increased number of endogenous
antibodies attached to the beta-amyloid plaques due to the temporary permeability of the
blood brain barrier caused by the FUS. Additionally microglia and astrocytes in FUS-
treated regions were activated and internalized beta-amyloid. The FUS and antibody
delivery treatment induces beta-amyloid plaque reduction, and is an advantageous
delivery strategy for AD.

Application to Research
This supports that glial cells play a bigger role than simply acting as glue; they
consume beta-amyloid plaques. However, this study does not state whether the cognition
of the treated mice increased with the internalization of beta-amyloid plaques, or not.

Kaidanovich-Beilin, et al. "Metabolism and the Brain | The Scientist Magazine." The Scientist.
LabX, 1 Dec. 2012. Web. 23 Oct. 2016.

Summary: Article
Insulin plays a key role in normal brain function. Research has shown that dysregulation
of insulin signaling leads to characteristic signs of neurodegenerative and psychiatric
Diseases. Furthermore, individuals with Alzheimers show lower concentrations of
insulin in their cerebrospinal fluid, and a higher concentration in their blood,
indicating
impaired insulin metabolism in the brain.

Application to Research
This scientific article has helped me learn more about the effects of insulin metabolism
on the brain, and the body, and how impaired metabolism could cause neurodegenerative
diseases, such as Alzheimers.

Lanier Troy, and Clay Nichols. Chapter 1 The Keychain. Filmmaking For Teens. Ed. Paul
Norlan. Saline: Michael Wiese Productions, 2010. 1-6. Print

Summary: Book
Written in an informal style with frequent use of teen jargon, this book about filmmaking
greatly appeals to millennials. The first chapter sets down the basis for finishing a film,or
the 6 keys. The six keys are 1) Making a five-minute film. 2) Have a completed script
before shooting. 3) Be a slash (writer/director/producer/editor). 4) Geek Out. 5) Use the
three-day shooting schedule. 6) Edit on a deadline. The six keys are then listed in order
and described concisely.

Application to Research
This is an amazing source! It teaches me all about the filmmaking process, and answers
any questions that I have relating to it! It is funny, easy to read and informational.
 Many other resources are listed in the last few pages of this book. I will definitely check
them out.

Lawrence Robison, et.al. "Vascular Dementia." : Signs, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment of
Multi-Infarct and Other Types of. Helpguide.org, n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2016.

Summary: Article
This article provides information about the causes, symptoms, and prevention methods
for vascular dementia. Vascular Dementia is the progressive decline of mental health due
to restricted oxygen flow to the brain. It is the second most common type of dementia
after Alzheimer's disease, accounting for up to 40 percent of dementia cases in older
adults. It is caused by a series of mini-strokes, or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), that
result in blockage of blood supply in the brain, but over time can lead to dementia as
more areas of the brain become damaged.

Application to Research
I had hoped to learn about different types of dementias, and whether there have been any
treatment methods for them in order to find some correlation between them and
Alzheimers. Coconut oil could help reduce neuronal deaths in other dementias, and it has
multiple other health benefits that could help preempt the progression of the dementias.

Lehrer Jonah, Koob Andrew. "The Root of Thought: What Do Glial Cells Do?" Scientific
American. N.p., 2009. Web. 06 Dec. 2016.

Summary: Interview Transcript

This is a transcript of an interview between Mind Matters editor Jonah Lehrer, and
Purdue University neuroscientist Andrew Koob. Originally believed to be glue cells
that stick the neurons together, glial cells have been found to play an active role in
thought by releasing calcium waves that transmit through astrocytes, a type of glial cell,
all over the brain. These calcium waves cause neurons to fire, furthering the hypothesis
that glial cells actively communicate with neurons to enable the thought process.

Application to Research
This provides new information from which new hypotheses about the pathology of
Alzheimers could be developed. The atrophying of the brain due to AD could be due to
the death of glial cells, rather than the death of neurons.

Leinenga, G., & Gotz, J. (2015). Scanning ultrasound removes amyloid- and restores memory in
an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. Science Translational Medicine, 7(278).
doi:10.1126/scitranslmed.aaa2512

Summary: Study
A study on the effects of Scanning Ultrasound on the brains of mice, this article provides
a plethora of information regarding Ultrasounds and the brain. The mice in the study that
had been genetically altered to have Alzheimers showed slight memory improvement
after treatment with SUS (which is applied throughout the brain), and showed a major
 decrease in beta-amyloid plaques and an increase in activated microglia. Fortunately, no
inflammation was observed after the SUS treatment, indicating that activated microglia
may not be such prominent inflammatory mediators after all.

Application to Research
Wow! This is an incredible study. I didnt even know that SUS existed until now! The
fact that no inflammation was observed negates my hypothesis that inflammation caused
by activated microglia plays a major role in the progression of AD.

Lifespan. "Nitrates May Be Environmental Trigger For Alzheimers, Diabetes And Parkinson's
Disease." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 6 July 2009.

Summary: Article
This article summarizes study directed by Suzanne de la Monte, MD, that found a link
between deaths from age-related diseases and increased levels of nitrates in the
environment. The study tracked people with age-associated diseases, such as diabetes,
Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cerebrovascular disease, and as HIV, and found that among all
of those diseases, only AD, Parkinsons and diabetes increased due to the progressive
increase of human exposure to nitrates, nitrites and nitrosamines

Application to Research
Wow! From here, I could look into what prevention methods could combat the effects of
nitrosamines in the body, and whether Coconut Oil could do just that. I could also
conduct an experiment in which certain animals are exposed to these chemicals, and
observe the effects of the nitrites on their cognition and their physical brains.

Lim Giselle P., et al. The Curry Spice Curcumin Reduces Oxidative Damage and Amyloid
Pathology in an Alzheimer Transgenic Mouse The Journal of Neuroscience 21(2001): 8370
8377. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.

Summary: Study
This study was conducted to determine the effects of different doses of curcumin on
Alzheimer-like pathology in APPSw mice. The mice exhibited many of the symptoms of
AD, including inflammation which is characterized by increased cytokines and activated
microglia. The long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inammatory drugs, such as curcumin,
can reduce the risk of AD. Both low and high doses of curcumin lowered oxidized
proteins and interleukin-1, but only low doses reduced the astrocyte marker GFAP, and
decreased plaque burden and beta-amyloid [by 4350%]. Due to its low toxicity and
efficiency, curcumin shows a promise as a possible prevention of Alzheimers.

Application to Research
Wow, there is so much information in this study that I can use to support my hypothesis!
Curcumin has been shown time and time again to be a possible prevention of
Alzheimers, but I have not found any studies that have been conducted on humans. Here,
it says that curcumin is nontoxic and safe for consumption.
Lipsman, Nir. "Lipsman - Pilot study of BBB opening for chemo-drug delivery to brain tumors
by MRgFUS." YouTube. YouTube, 16 Sept. 2016. Web. 18 Jan. 2017.

Summary: Video
This is a recording from the International Symposium on Focused Ultrasound. Dr.
Lipsman speaks about his study involving the use of FUS to deliver an anti-tumor
medication in patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme. The area of the 3x3 grid of 9 spots
in the brain at 3mm spacing that was treated with FUS was shown to have clear BBB
disruption through MRI scans and medication uptake. There were no severe after-effects
and histological analyses are pending.

Application to Research
The study discussed supports the safe and effective application of FUS to the brain. It
also provides information about the sonication times and procedures that could be passed
on to FUS therapy for patients with Alzheimers.

Palmer, Seth. By Combining Neuronal Tracing with Neuronal Recording and Microstimulation
Techniques,. "Discovery of Subdivisions in Rat Motor Cortex Has Potential to Advance Human
Brain Studies." The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Oct. 2016.
Summary: Article
This article describes the similarities between the neural processes in rat brains and
human brains, and how this information can be helpful in research and
experimentation. One third of the rat sensorimotor cortex is used to process whisker-
related information, similarly in humans, 40% of the cortex is used to process visual
information, even though whiskers on rats and eyes on humans occupy a tiny portion of
the bodys surface.
Application to Research
This article provides information that my future experiment on the cognition of ageing
rats can relate to humans, too!
Prince, Martin, et al. World Alzheimer Report 2015. Sept. 2015. England, London.
<https://www.alz.co.uk/research/worldalzheimerreport2015summary.pdf>
Summary: Executive Summary
This executive summary reports that Overall incidence of dementia in low and middle
income countries is only 10% lower (RR 0.90, 95% CI: 0.70-1.15) than in high income
countries. East Asia has the lowest incidence (percentage) of AD in the world. The
summary also notes that 10% is not a major difference.* Southeast Asia is also the largest
consumer of turmeric.

Application to Research
*I am unsure as to why 10% is considered minor. East Asian countries consume more
turmeric than the rest of the world. However, people there do not live as long as they do
 in more developed countries, so this could be one of the reasons for the lower incidence
of AD: people dont live long enough to get it.
Prior, Marguerite, et al. "The neurotrophic compound J147 reverses cognitive impairment in
aged Alzheimer's disease mice." Alzheimer's Research & Therapy. N.p., 14 May 2013. Web. 07
Feb. 2017.
Summary: Study
This study was conducted to determine the effects of the curcumin derived compound
J147 on the cognition of genetically altered mice. Many memory test were conducted
before and after the administration of the drug to genetically altered mice. Overall, the
mice fed J147 performed twice as well as their AD controls. However, mice who had
scopolamine induced memory impairment performed best when a cocktail of J147 and an
Alzheimers drug, donepezil, were fed to them.
Application to Research
Another incredible source! This provides more information about the potential benefits of
curcumin, as it has been shown that, when manipulated/changed, it can have memory
improving effects.
Sahdeo Prasad and Bharat B. Aggarwal. "Turmeric, the Golden Spice." Herbal Medicine:
Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 01 Jan.
1970. Web. 06 Feb. 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/
Summary: Review
This review analyzes the beneficial properties of turmeric, the herb from which curcumin
is derived. It is stated that India produces nearly all of the worlds turmeric crop and
consumes 80% of it. Turmeric has many proven health benefits, ranging from
gastrointestinal to sore throats.
Application to Research
India has one of the lowest incidences of AD in the world. This source can be used to
support the hypothesis that curcumin is the reason for that.

Small, Gary. "Alzheimer's Prevention Program: Keep Your Brain Healthy for the Rest of Your
Life." YouTube. YouTube, 07 Feb. 2013. Web. 15 Jan. 2017.
Summary: Video
This is a video of a lecture given by Dr. Gary Small about Alzheimers disease and its
prevention. Dr. Small explains the risk factors, lifestyle choices and susceptibility of the
disease. He explains a study that he was involved in that tested the effects of anti-
inflammatory drugs on brain function. Eighteen months after administering the drug in
healthy patients, the drug was found to have improved cognition and brain function by
increasing glucose metabolism in the brain.
 Application to Research
Wow! This is an extremely long video, so I focused on the more relevant parts. Dr. Small
effectively explains AD, memory, and preventing the disease in a humorous, critical
manner. Although most of the information provided was basic, there were many things
that he said that provided a different perspective that I find beneficial.
Stevens, Michael. Alzheimers and the Brain Online video. Youtube. Youtube, July 22,
2016. Web. Oct 23, 2016.
Summary: Video
Plaques and tau protein tangles are prevalent symptoms of Alzheimers. They might even
be causes of the disease. When an enzyme called beta secretase cuts the APP protein, it
cuts it at the wrong part. This causes APP to split into beta amyloid, a sticky
protein that clumps into oligomers and plaques in the brain. These plaques can cause
neuronal deaths. Tau proteins stabilize microtubules in neurons, which regulate the flow
of nutrients and molecules. These proteins sometimes become sticky and tangle,
impairing nutrient flow.
Application to Research
I have learned a lot about the symptoms and causes of Alzheimers from this video. The
creator explains everything simply and briefly, so I can understand everything
easily.
Streit, Wolfgang J., et al. "Microglia and neuroinflammation: a pathological perspective."
Journal of Neuroinflammation. N.p., 30 July 2004. Web. 01 Feb. 2017.
Summary: Journal Article
This journal article seeks to unveil the extensive role of microglia in the CNS and in
AD. Microglia in the Regenerating and Degenerating CNS supports the assertion that
understanding microglial biology could perhaps be pivotal for unraveling the
pathogenetic mechanisms that underlie Alzheimer's disease. Their activation appears to
be the most prominent inflammatory component in chronic inflammatory diseases.
Alzheimers is believed to be one such inflammatory disease in which beta amyloid
plaques in the brain are the center of microglia activation and clustering
Application to Research
This source can help support my hypothesis that microglia play a role in the progression
of AD.
Timbie, Kelsie F., et al. Drug and Gene Delivery Across the Blood-Brain Barrier with Focused
Ultrasound. Journal of controlled release: official journal of the Controlled Release Society
219 (2015): 6175. PMC. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.

Summary: Review
This review explores the uses of Focused Ultrasound (FUS), along with nanotechnology,
to facilitate the delivery of drugs to the brain. It has been established that FUS can disrupt
the BBB in targeted regions, allowing therapeutic agents as large as 100 nm in size to
the CNS. This disruption is temporary and new technology will allow this treatment to
 be performed safely in humans. Combined with other treatment methods, such as
nanotechnology, it can lead to more efficient methods of treating neurodegenerative
diseases.

Application to Research
This source directly supports my hypothesis, and it provides pages of information about
the FUS and other studies conducted about it. However, it is extremely long, so I have
only taken information from some sections to write in here.

Wegerer, Jennifer. "Nutrition and Dementia: Foods That May Induce Memory Loss & Increase
Alzheimers." Alzheimers.net. A Place for Mom, Inc., 2 Jan. 2014. Web. 11 Nov. 2016.

Summary: Article
This article lists the foods that must be consumed in order to retain mental health. Diet
plays a vital role in mental and physical health. Proper dietary requirements must be met
to keep the brain in top shape. If the right foods are not eaten, toxins can build up in the
body. Those toxins can lead to inflammation, the buildup of plaques in the brain and, as
a result, impaired cognitive function. Coconut oil, has been shown to improve the
bodys use of insulin, increase HDL (good cholesterol), boost thyroid function and acting
as an antioxidant and natural antibiotic.

Application to Research
The information given in this article directly relates to my claim, but it does not specify
whether coconut oil would increase cognition in patients with AD, or whether its
consumption could be used as a preventative method.

Weintraub, Karen. "Harvard Researchers Unveil New Alzheimer's Theory." USA Today. Gannett
Satellite Information Network, 2016. Web. 30 Nov. 2016.

Summary: Article
This article is about a recent study conducted by a Harvard University research group.
The study stated that getting rid of amyloid plaques may not be the best way to treat
Alzheimers. Amyloid has been found in animals for 400 million years. In humans, the
amyloid-plaques may be triggered by a berserk immune system. Treating inflammation is
key in preventing or reducing the progression of Alzheimers. Gary Small, another
professor who, with his own research, has shown that healthy people who took anti-
inflammatory drugs for 18 months had better brain function than those who took a
placebo. But if they started the drugs after Alzheimers began developing, it could
accelerate the disease.

Application to Research
I am unable to access the full study, but I will contact some of the researchers to learn
more about it. This has shed new light on the beta-amyloid hypothesis. There may be
different methods to cure AD that involve working with the bodys immune system, or
aiding it to fight certain pathogens.
Yang Ivan Hu, et al. "[COCONUT OIL: NON-ALTERNATIVE DRUG TREATMENT
AGAINST ..." PubMed. N.p., 2015 Dec. 1. Web. 19 Oct. 2016.
Summary: Study
This study conducted to determine the effectiveness coconut oil consumption as a
treatment for Alzheimers disease determined that the consumption of coconut oil
improved the cognitive level of patients with Alzheimer's, this improvement
being dependent on sex, presence or absence of diabetes and degree of dementia. The
medium chain triglycerides that compose coconut oil are are a direct source of
cellular energy. The neurons in the brains of Alzheimer patients die due to the lack
of these triglycerides; as a solution, coconut oil can be delivered orally to prevent the
neuronal deaths.
Application to Research
The abstract from this study proves that certain aspects of ones diet play a great role in
improving cognition. I can go off with this information to research the other
cognitive effects of coconut oil.
Yudai Nonaka, et al. Diss. The U of Tokyo, n.d. Journal. Lauric Acid Stimulates Ketone Body
Production in the KT-5 Astrocyte Cell Line (2016): 1-7. Print.
Summary: Journal
Coconut oil stimulates the production of ketone bodies in astrocyte cells, which surround
neurons in the brain and CNS. The experiment was to feeding rat coconut oil and
to monitor the responses of plasma ketone bodies. The medium chain fatty acids in
coconut oil, such as lauric acid, stimulate hepatic ketogenesis, an alternative energy
source for brains with impaired glucose metabolism. The oil was found to increase
the plasma free fatty acid concentration and lauric acid content in the rats. When
isolated astrocyte samples were treated with lauric acid, the total ketone body
concentration increased.
Application to Research
These findings in this journal about the medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil possibly
improving brain health by promoting ketogenesis provide evidence for me to
continue researching and experimenting with the effects of coconut oil on the brain.