Alzheimer's Society comment on new tau tangle research

New research published in Nature Cell Biology suggests that tangle formation can be transferred from one type of trans genetic mouse line to another. The research was carried out using two different mouse lines, one generated specifically to express a mutated form of human tau known to cause tangles and disease, the other generated to express normal human tau. Ordinary (wild type) mice do not have a type of tau that can make tangles.  More research is needed to understand the implications of these results.

'The observation that tangle formation can be transferred from one type of trans genetic mouse line to another is certainly exciting and may change the way we think about tangle formation in diseases such as Alzheimer's.

However, the research was carried out using two different trans genetic mouse lines and we will need a lot more research before we understand the implications of these observations.

There is still so much we do not understand about the changes in tau that lead to tangle formation in humans and, eventually, widespread brain cell death. Each new piece of knowledge helps build a better picture and takes us closer to the point where we can stop loss of brain tissue and dementia for good.'

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

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Reference: Clavaguera F et al. Transmission and spreading of tauopathy in transgenic mouse brain. Nature Cell Biology, published online 7 June 2009

Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 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.
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to help people live well with dementia today and for research 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

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