Public awareness of research advancements needed

On Thursday, September 22 along with some friends we attended Calendar Girls. What a fabulous entertaining evening. I was curious to see how this successful film would be adapted for the Stage.

Needless to say it was done with great hilarity, compassion and a wonderful cast of characters.

The Stage setting,the costumes,the music that accompanied the play was first class.

What a plethora of talent our town of Young holds. Every person involved in this production should be extremely proud. My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed the performance.

Sincere congratulations to one and all.

In closing I would like to also mention CanAssist who provided the audience with a delicious supper during intermission.

A wonderful hard working organisation who should also be congratulated on the wonderful support they offer our community.

Thank you for a memorable evening.

Maureen Perkins

Young

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Dear Editor​

I refer your readers to the article published in this issue; ‘The link between blue-green algae and neurodegenerative disease’ which follows on from last week’s Harden-Murrumburrah Express (September 22, 2016) commentary ‘Stark Dementia Figures’ by John Watkins during Dementia Awareness Month.

The article highlights the need for public awareness of advancements in research which many in the community may have supported over the years and wondered how it is progressing.

This is a time to acknowledge our debt to, and respect for researchers who often devote a lifetime (often for humanitarian reasons) in a quest to find a breakthrough that may change the world.

In my article in this edition, I bring your attention to some recent, very significant research that positively links a toxin from blue-green algae with neurodegenerative diseases.

In 2013 Australian research revealed a reason, or plausible mechanism, that provided the missing link between blue-green algae and motor neurone disease.

This local research success highlights the importance and effectiveness of community based donations.

Follow-on research in 2016 in the USA, showed that the same toxin in blue-green algae resulted in neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid deposits in the brain that are the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s Disease.

The paper suggests chronic exposure to the cyanotoxin from blue-green algae may increase the risk of neurodegenerative disease.

This is the first time researchers have been able to produce Alzheimer’s like protein deposits in an animal model with an environmental toxin.

Part of this research provides insights into possible avenues for therapy. Scientist are cautious about ‘false hope’ for treatment options prior to further research.

On the other side of the equation, we must all confront our environmental responsibility.

Excessive nutrient run off from agricultural land is the primary cause of blue-green algal blooms.

Yours sincerely,

John Taylor

Beggan Beggan