Posted on Dec. 23: Grant boosts research into Alzheimer’s disease

In her laboratory within the Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster neuroscientist Margaret Fahnestock is studying proteins essential for nervous system development and function.

Her research focus is on the regulation and biosynthesis of neurotrophic factors and their role in Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy.

Fahnestock and her colleagues are specifically looking at nerve growth
factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which are necessary for peripheral and central nervous system development, maintenance and response to injury. They are attempting to dissect the mechanisms that regulate NGF and BDNF expression and to determine how these mechanisms go awry in Alzheimer's disease.

At a special luncheon held recently, Fahnestock accepted a cheque for $35,000 from Frank Fordham, Hamilton Valley representative, of the Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation of Canada. This was the third instalment of a three-year grant that is helping in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.

The foundation also presented Diego Garzon, a graduate student in Fahnestock's laboratory, with a grant for $6,750, the second in two years, which will help with his graduate studies.

“Diego and I are grateful to the Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation of Canada for its generous support of our research,” said Fahnestock.

“We are studying molecules that may protect the brain against neuronal loss in Alzheimer's disease, and we hope our studies will lead to new therapies for this devastating disease. The funds from the Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation of Canada have allowed us to pursue an exciting new lead which has changed our ideas of how NGF and BDNF are synthesized and used by brain cells. The graduate student research grant will allow Diego to continue his graduate studies on why BDNF levels are reduced in Alzheimer's disease.”

From its incorporation, the foundation has concentrated its efforts in support of research into the causes of and the possible cure of intellectual impairment, especially as it affects children and older adults.

Through donations from members and other interested individuals, fundraising programs, bequests and memorials, the Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation of Canada has increased its capital to more than $10 million dollars. This year, income of more than $550,000 was used to fund major research grants and graduate student research grants across Canada.