Therapy to target amyloid also reduces tau in Alzheimer's disease

Scientists have claimed a treatment called bapineuzumab reduces the amount of tau and amyloid - two important proteins in Alzheimer's - in people with the disease.

The treatment is currently in phase III testing and is being developed as an antibody to beta-amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's. In this latest research, scientists looked at the impact of bapineuzumab on tau in the cerebrospinal fluid of 46 people with Alzheimer's disease. They found an overall trend towards a reduction in levels of tau.

Other research presented at ICAD also highlights further advancements towards a better understanding of tau.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'Any advancement towards a new treatment for Alzheimer's will provide hope for hundreds of thousands of people living with the disease. Bapineuzumab is a promising therapy that is currently in the final stages of testing. If successful it could be licensed and available within 5 years.' 

'Importantly, this study shows that a treatment targeting plaques in the brains of people with Alzheimer's can also reduce the protein tau, another key hallmark of Alzheimer's. However, if we are to make the most of this new evidence and progress towards treatments we need much more research. One in three people over 65 will die with dementia yet dementia research is drastically underfunded. We must invest now.'

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society

Research reference: 'Immunotherapy with bapineuzumab lowers csf tau protein levels in patients with Alzheimer's disease' by Kaj Blennow et al

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Notes to editors:

• For spokespeople and case studies contact the Alzheimer's Society press office on 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