"A Molecule Away from Madness: Tales of the Hijacked Brain" - Summary

Molecular villains, including mutants, rebels, invaders, and evaders, play a significant role in cognitive neurology, contributing to various cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and other brain diseases. These molecular villains can be classified into four categories: mutants, rebels, invaders, and evaders.

Mutants are altered sequences of DNA that can cause devastating cognitive disorders, passed down through generations. Advances in neurology have led to the discovery of specific genetic mutations responsible for certain conditions, allowing for targeted treatments and prevention strategies. For example, researchers have identified the most common genetic cause of frontotemporal dementia, which has been linked to 10% of cases and is also associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In vitro fertilization now enables thousands of people worldwide to prevent the mutant gene from appearing in their offspring.

Rebels are aberrant proteins that can cause hallucinations, anger, and dementia. Research on NMDA receptor encephalitis, a condition caused by antibodies attacking molecules on the surface of neurons, has led to the identification of over 100 cases in just one year. The discovery of new antibodies has allowed more patients to receive a molecular explanation for their symptoms, with many going on to make a complete recovery.

Invaders are small molecules that can harm the brain when present, while evaders are those that cause damage when absent. The conquest of vitamin deficiencies, such as pellagra, has been a significant molecular triumph, with most cases now preventable or curable.

Understanding these molecular villains has revolutionized the field of cognitive neurology, paving the way for targeted treatments and prevention strategies. As research continues to uncover the molecular causes of cognitive disorders, we move closer to finding effective solutions for these devastating conditions.