Levels of the protein clusterin in the blood could be linked to development and severity of Alzheimer's disease

New research published in Archives of Psychiatry today (Tuesday 6 July) identified the protein in a small study of 95 people. It then measured levels in a sample of 689 participants, including 464 people with Alzheimer's disease. It found higher levels of the protein in the blood were associated with severity of disease, rapid clinical progression and atrophy of the area of the brain linked to memory.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'This interesting study provides more evidence that the protein clusterin could have an important role to play in the development of Alzheimer's disease. It draws significantly on work carried out by Dr Thambisetti during his time as an Alzheimer's Society fellow.

'We are not yet able to say that changes to the clusterin will lead to Alzheimer's disease. However, researchers can now further investigate what the protein does and whether it is possible to alter the progression of Alzheimer's by developing drugs to target it. One in three people over 65 will die with dementia. This week, Dementia Awareness Week, Alzheimer's Society is asking people to Remember the Person behind the diagnosis.'

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

Study reference: 'Association of Plasma Clusterin Concentration with Severity, Pathology and Progression in Alzheimer's Disease' by Dr Thambisetty et al in Archives of Psychiatry, Tuesday, 6 July 2010.