ASNTR home page

The ASNTR is a society composed of basic and clinical neuroscientists who utilize a variety of technologies to better understand the way the nervous system functions and establish new procedures for its repair in response to trauma or neurodegenerative disease. In this regard, member scientists employ stem/neural progenitor cell transplantation, gene therapy, trophic factor and neuroprotective compound administration, and other approaches.

ASNTR Conference

May 1-3, 2008
Sheraton Sand Key Resort
Clearwater Beach, Florida U.S.A.

 Research News

Stem cells are now the focus of much research also in neural repair. One reason for this is the potential clinical need for a cell source that can be grown first in culture in large quantities, later to be transplanted to patients. Remaining research questions are, for example; if such transplanted stem cells will reliably develop into the specific and functional cells needed for brain repair.

 
Several neuroprotective factors and molecules have recently been discovered in laboratory research that may lead to new clinical applications. However, many scientific and technical issues need to be investigated. Then clinical tests must be performed for the most promising drug candidates to establish safety and efficacy.

 Opinion

Mood, Movement, and Memory: an Age-related Neurodegenerative Complex?

Lotta Granholm, Heather Boger, and Marina Emborg

Aging has been associated with an increased risk of developing depression (Late Life Depression, LLD) and neurodegenerative diseases. Both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are associated with increased risk for depression, and other commonalities such as similar risk factors, age and gender distribution. Furthermore, as AD and PD progress, it becomes evident that their symptoms are not limited to one neurotransmitter system. Because of these findings, investigators have started to investigate the possibility of a biological and/or clinical connection between the triad of symptoms (emotion, cognition and movement). Clinical studies have shown that there is a strong connection between cognitive and movement impairment (or disorders) in aged individuals. Read more