Potential new target for Alzheimer’s disease

Each caused by different diseases of the brain. Prion diseases are a rare group of dementias, such as CJD and BSE, in which prion proteins clump together in the brain.  

Changes in the protein called amyloid occur in the brains of people with both Prion dementias and Alzheimer's disease. However, these are distinctly different conditions and people with Prion dementias do not develop the same brain changes of Alzheimer's disease.

'This interesting study found the part of a prion protein that cause clusters of amyloid to form in the brain. More research is now needed to see if prion proteins could be a new target for Alzheimer's or if they only play a part in prion dementias.

One million people will develop dementia in the next 10 years. We must act now and start investing in dementia research to find effective treatments for this devastating disease.'

Prof Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• 1 in 3 people over 65 will die with dementia.
• 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia.  This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051. 1 in 6 people over 80 have dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society campaigns for and champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions who care for them. Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• As a charity, Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to care for people today and to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk. 
  
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
  

For further information please contact the press team on 0207 423 3595 or 07802688774 or email press@alzheimers.org.uk