Currently there are more children being diagnosed with autism than cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined.
Watch Targeting the Cause of Autism: Medicines Next Big Thing? and see how doctors at Ohio State University are investigating childrens digestive systems, cholesterol and a certain Alzheimers drug in three trials where theyre searching for answers.
Quote
"Theres no medication for core autism symptoms, L. Eugene Arnold, M.D.,
professor emeritus of psychiatry at Ohio State University said.
But that could be changing. Doctors are targeting a child's digestive system. Some believe that might be one source of the problem.
Proteins can get through that shouldnt, that should be digested first, and there might be a reaction in the nervous system, Dr. Arnold explained.
The inability to digest protein affects the release of amino acids, the building blocks essential for brain function. Children in this study are given digestive enzymes. The goal: see if they clear up issues in the gut, and in turn, improve behavior.
In a second study, doctors are investigating whether cholesterol plays a role in autism.
There may be a subgroup who have autism because of low cholesterol, Dr. Arnold said.
Experts believe some autistic children are missing an enzyme that makes cholesterol, which is needed for normal brain development.
In a third trial, doctors are testing an approved Alzheimer's drug to treat autism. Investigators are examining whether Namenda can help with motor skills and expressive language. What may work for one child, may not work for another.
There are different reasons for different people having autism, Dr. Arnold explained.
These three trials are getting to the root of a mysterious disorder that impacts one out of every 110 children.
Dr. Arnold says finding the cause is critical. Thirty-five billion dollars is spent on caring for people with autism each year in the United States.
http://www.ivanhoe.com/channels/p_channelstory.cfm?storyid=24764
Watch Targeting the Cause of Autism: Medicines Next Big Thing? and see how doctors at Ohio State University are investigating childrens digestive systems, cholesterol and a certain Alzheimers drug in three trials where theyre searching for answers.
Quote
"Theres no medication for core autism symptoms, L. Eugene Arnold, M.D.,
professor emeritus of psychiatry at Ohio State University said.
But that could be changing. Doctors are targeting a child's digestive system. Some believe that might be one source of the problem.
Proteins can get through that shouldnt, that should be digested first, and there might be a reaction in the nervous system, Dr. Arnold explained.
The inability to digest protein affects the release of amino acids, the building blocks essential for brain function. Children in this study are given digestive enzymes. The goal: see if they clear up issues in the gut, and in turn, improve behavior.
In a second study, doctors are investigating whether cholesterol plays a role in autism.
There may be a subgroup who have autism because of low cholesterol, Dr. Arnold said.
Experts believe some autistic children are missing an enzyme that makes cholesterol, which is needed for normal brain development.
In a third trial, doctors are testing an approved Alzheimer's drug to treat autism. Investigators are examining whether Namenda can help with motor skills and expressive language. What may work for one child, may not work for another.
There are different reasons for different people having autism, Dr. Arnold explained.
These three trials are getting to the root of a mysterious disorder that impacts one out of every 110 children.
Dr. Arnold says finding the cause is critical. Thirty-five billion dollars is spent on caring for people with autism each year in the United States.
http://www.ivanhoe.com/channels/p_channelstory.cfm?storyid=24764
