Overview

Devastating. It's not too strong a word for Alzheimer's disease. It is incurable, progressively wreaks havoc with memory and behavior and is ultimately fatal. Right now more than 5 million Americans have it, and the number is growing.

Little is known about why or how brain cells die in Alzheimer’s disease. Jackson Laboratory researchers are investigating brain function in new ways that shed light on how the brain ages and the problems that can occur.

Alzheimer's disease is one of many diseases that are called neurodegenerative diseases—they involve dysfunction or death of brain tissue. Research at the Laboratory includes investigations of protein assembly malfunctions that may disrupt brain cell function and the development of better animal models in which to study the root causes and develop possible therapies.

Regardless of the research program, however, the end goal is the same: to improve the prognosis for the growing number of Alzheimer’s patients.

Research

It’s no mystery what happens in Alzheimer’s disease. Brain cells die prematurely, creating memory, behavior and thinking problems. It is fatal. But little is known about exactly why or how the cells die. Research at the Laboratory explores the hows and whys of brain cell death in both natural and disease states.

The mechanisms of neurodegeneration
Dr. Susan Ackerman studies the problems that result when proteins fold incorrectly in the brain.
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Working for better research
Alzheimer’s researchers need high quality disease models. Dr. Michael Sasner makes sure they get them.
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Personal Connections

Larry Closson feels blessed. He's 85 years old—"my father and grandfather didn't make it past their 70s"—lives with his son and family, and enjoys his time out of the house.

"I look forward to coming here every day so much. I like to read, but otherwise, when you get older, you can get terribly bored without a place like this."

"Here" is the Straus Center in Southwest Harbor, Maine, which provides day programs for seniors like Larry. Each day Larry and his friends gather for music, games, a mid-day meal and other activities. The center has a casual feel, friendly and welcoming, that makes it easy to forget the activities and facilities are carefully planned.

"Larry is in the early stages of dementia," says Debra Chalmers, director of adult day services at the center, a community resource for seniors with memory problems and their caregivers. "His long-term memory is intact, but his short-term memory is limited."

Larry's long-term memory is formidable indeed. To reminisce with him is to revisit a Downeast Maine that no longer exists. Born in Sullivan in June 1925, he grew up on an island estate in a house without telephone or electricity.

"My father took care of the estate and served as boat captain and chauffeur for the owners, who were grandchildren of Longfellow. I loved it. It was very quiet, very peaceful, not like around here nowadays with all the hustle and bustle in the summer."

Larry did profit from the summer tourist business as a teenager, keeping lobster traps and selling what he caught. He used the money he earned to buy clothing for the school year. Asked if he ever kept any of his catch, Larry shudders. "Oh, no, never. I hate eating lobsters myself."

World events swept him away from the quiet for what turned into 20 years. He enlisted in the Navy and served in the South Pacific during World War II and the Korean War, flying off aircraft carriers and returning to the deck with what he vividly remembers as a "controlled crash landing."

"I've seen so many things happen, so much history, but you don't think about it like that when you're going through it. And when it's war, it's just awful, terrible experiences."

Larry retired from the military in 1962 and quickly returned to his Maine roots. He raised five children, all of whom still live in the area. His military-honed mechanical expertise contributed to both his civilian work and hobbies.

"I loved to work on old cars and used to restore Model A Fords. I can't do that any more—my leg sometimes goes out on me like a broken airplane landing gear." He laughs. "Sometimes I feel like an old car—I've got too many replacement parts in me!"

"Larry is remarkable," says Debra. "He enjoys talking about his past experiences and his family. Unfortunately, I'm sorry to say that he has not been assessed to ascertain a specific diagnosis, which is a common occurrence for many older adults who display symptoms that fall under the umbrella of "dementia." I look forward to future research helping unlock some of the mysteries around dementia and other brain diseases."

Larry's future is now, and he lives it with gusto.

"The folks here at the center, they're perfect, absolutely wonderful. I have no complaints. I'm very lucky and I know it."