UK scientists move closer to discovering cause of Alzheimer’s

Research into the building blocks of dementia funded by Alzheimer's Society has been presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD).

Dr Amritpal Mudher from the University of Southampton - who has been supported by Alzheimer's Society throughout her career - presented her findings on the protein tau, a major hallmark of Alzheimer's. There are three Alzheimer's Society funded PhD students, three research fellows and one lead scientist presenting work at ICAD this year.

Healthy nerve cells produce tau but in Alzheimer's an abnormal form of tau is produced which does not function correctly. Dr Mudher has found that the abnormal tau does not only disrupt nerve cells, forming tangles that cause them to die, but it also affects any healthy tau around it. This prevents the cell from performing its normal functions.

Professor Clive Ballard, Director of Research at Alzheimer's Society says,

'Dr Mudher's findings provide important information about how tau is involved in Alzheimer's. It is particularly interesting to see this additional activity of abnormal tau as it helps to explain the effect tau has on nerve cells and why the cells die. The more we understand about how tau works, the closer we get to a potential treatment.'

Other Alzheimer's Society research being presented at ICAD includes research into the link between brain injury and dementia; the genetics of Alzheimer's disease, using cutting edge stem cell techniques; whether the antibiotic Minocycline could be a future treatment for Alzheimer's disease; and a study into understanding what brain processes are affected into Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA) and how brain imaging could be used to diagnose it.

'Alzheimer's Society is committed to investing in young researchers. British scientists are at the forefront of dementia research despite the fact the dementia research in the UK is desperately underfunded. One in three people over 65 will die with dementia but with the right investment dementia can be defeated.'

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Notes to editors:

• Spokespeople and case studies are available on request. Please contact the Press Office, 0207 423 3595
• ICAD is the world's leading forum on dementia research. Run by Alzheimer's Association, it will this year be taking place in Hawaii from Sunday 11 July to Thursday 15 July.
• 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