Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Towards a Novel Neuroprotective Treatment for Alzheimer’s Associated Cognitive Dysfunction in a Drosophila Model

Oxidative Stress has been linked to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease. In this study, we investigated Alpha-Lipoic acid, a potent antioxidant, as a neuroprotective treatment for progressive neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. It was found to act as a neuroprotective agent against Alzheimer’s with significant reversal in cognitive dysfunction (memory loss). Alpha-Lipoic Acid has great potential as a prescriptive drug for such neurodegenerative disease. In the process, we were able to refine methods for observing brain activity facilitating future study and advancements in Alzheimer’s research.

Project Team
Name: Peter Hans Massey
Stats: 16 year-old Junior from Manhasset High School in Manhasset, NY
Influential Person: Peter Guastella
Career Goal: I want to attend a university and begin pre-medicine and then eventually go to medical school. My ambition is to become a neuro-surgeon.
Field Interest: I have always had a general interest and love for the sciences. I enjoy research and the opportunities it had for entering the world of truly modern medical advancements. I enjoy being able to challenge myself and investigate things that are often beyond my understanding at this point.

Name: Shaunak Krishan Bakshi
Stats: 15 year-old sophomore from Manhasset High School in Manhasset, NY
Influential Person: Grandfather
Career Goal: I would like to do my undergraduate degree in Neuroscience and then attend medical school.
Field Interest: Medical research is of great interest to me because of the potential to improve the lives of many people. As a researcher, I find Neurology to be particularly important because of the increasing number of people suffering from neurodegenerative conditions. A greater understanding of such processes is required in order to slow down and eventually counteract them.

Tags: education, innovation, inspire, Intel, Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, Intel ISEF

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