Alzheimer’s Society comment on research from the University of St Andrews and scientists in America

The team led by Dr Frank Gunn-Moore at the University of St Andrews looked at the development of beta amyloid in the brain. This is the protein at the core of plaques associated with the disease.

Dr Susanne Sorensen, head of research, at the Alzheimer's Society, says,

'The study provides another important piece in the puzzle for understanding Alzheimer's disease and points toward a possible new treatment target, which has so far been unexplored.

The research focuses on the development of beta amyloid, the protein at the core of plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease. The results suggest a way of blocking off one of the pathways, which leads to the development of this toxic protein and is implicated in killing off brain cells.

This is exciting research, which throws up positive results. Further work must now get underway to build on these results further and ensure work starts on developing an initial treatment.'