Protein linked to rheumatoid arthritis could reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease, study claims
Published 23 August 2010
A protein produced by people with rheumatoid arthritis completely reversed memory decline and dramatically reduced the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in mice a study published online claims.
Researchers from the University of Florida injected mice that had been genetically modified for Alzheimer's disease with the protein GM-CSF. After a 20 day trial they found the mice performed substantially better on tests measuring their working memory and learning. An artificially produced version of GM-CSF - Leukine - is already FDA approved and used to treat certain cancer patients.
Alzheimer's Society comment:
'This exciting research provides a possible answer to the long unexplained question of why rheumatoid arthritis could reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Given that the identified protein is already available as a drug that is proven to be safe in humans, the time taken to develop an Alzheimer's disease treatment could be substantially reduced.
However, we must not jump the gun. Much more research is needed before we can say for certain that the findings demonstrated in mice would also occur in humans. One in three people over 65 will die with dementia yet dementia research receives eight times less investment than cancer research. We must invest now if we are to move forward with the advancement of potentially life-changing treatments.'
Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society
Research reference: 'GM-CSF up-regulated in Rheumatoid Arthritis reverses cognitive impairment and amyloidosis in Alzheimer's mice,' by Tim D Boyd et al. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
