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 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

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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.

Notes to editors:

• This week is Dementia Awareness Week. It runs until 10 July 2010. The theme of the biggest event in Alzheimer's Society's calendar is Remember the Person.
• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 15 years 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 supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. 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