Chongqing - The aging population has introduced a plethora of health concerns, with Alzheimer’s Disease, known for its gradual yet irreversible progression, significantly impacting the quality of life of the elderly.
Unlike diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes, Alzheimer’s Disease is believed to originate in the brain. Unfortunately, many individuals lack a comprehensive understanding of this disease and often remain unaware when they or their loved ones are affected due to the inherent difficulty in diagnosing the disease in its early stages.
Bridging News had the opportunity to interview Dr. Arthur Konnerth, a distinguished scholar and recipient of the Brain Prize, often called the Nobel Prize in neuroscience. As a leading scientist in the field, Dr. Konnerth is dedicated to unraveling the mechanisms of Alzheimer’s Disease. However, he confesses that current scientific research has yet to meet this complex disease's challenges fully.
Dr. Arthur Konnerth is a German neurophysiologist, the Hertie Senior Professor of Neuroscience at the Technical University of Munich, and one of the world’s leading neuroscientists. He is also a recipient of the prestigious Brain Prize. (Photo/Kenny Dong)
“The basic issue is that there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, necessitating intensive research to make strides toward a solution,” he said. “We have certainly benefited from developing new technologies on every level, but we are still in the early stages of this endeavor.”
Initial research suggested that amyloid β, a toxic compound found in the human brain, triggers Alzheimer’s Disease. Yet, the specific ways in which it alters brain function remain elusive.
Around 15 years ago, scientists made a surprising discovery: brains of individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease exhibited neural hyperactivity, exceeding normal levels. This finding contradicted traditional notions of the disease.
Konnerth explained that the current task for neurophysiologists is to use animal models to identify the changes caused by Alzheimer’s Disease.
“We are not yet able to establish a direct link between observations in the animal models and what happens in the human brain. However, many observations show similarities at some level between the animal models and the human brain,” he noted.
A national center for brain science and AI innovation
Konnerth’s visit to Chongqing was part of his attendance at the Guangyang Bay Conference on Brain and Intelligence 2023, which kicked off on June 30. The conference marked the inauguration of the Chongqing Center for Brain and Intelligence Science.
The Chongqing Center for Brain and Intelligence Science aims to focus on issues related to neuroscience, clinical treatment, and artificial intelligence development. (Photo/GYBC)
During the event, Xu Hongbin, secretary of the Communist Party of China Nan’an District Committee, underscored that the Chongqing Center for Brain and Intelligence Science would concentrate on significant scientific questions related to consciousness, sleep, and memory.
The center's mission is to establish an ecosystem integrating science, technology, education, industry, and healthcare to create a nationally influential hub for brain science and artificial intelligence innovation.
Reports indicate that the project has received investments exceeding 1 billion yuan (about USD 137.66 million). It will involve interdisciplinary innovation teams from institutions including the Army Medical University, East China Normal University, Chongqing University, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing Normal University, Tsinghua University, Southwest University of Political Science and Law, and the Sichuan Fine Art” Institute.
Dr. Konnerth expressed his conviction that scientists worldwide must come together to decipher the essence of Alzheimer's Disease and unravel more mysteries of the human brain.
"I believe it would benefit us to remain open or even become more open to international collaborations. Despite the growing political complexities worldwide, we, as scientists, should maintain our alliances and support each other for the betterment of the elderly," he concluded.
Dr. Arthur Konnerth is a German neurophysiologist, the Hertie Senior Professor of Neuroscience at the Technical University of Munich, and one of the world’s leading neuroscientists. He is also a recipient of the prestigious Brain Prize. (Graphics/Zhang Chen)