Research adds weight to new thinking on Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco have reported that proteins other than those associated with neurodegenerative diseases clump together as a normal part of ageing. The discovery, in C. elegans roundworm, adds to other evidence that the process of Alzheimer's is more complicated than originally thought.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'This study supports recent ground-breaking research which highlights that the key to treating Alzheimer's lies in understanding more about the key proteins, not just reducing their total amount. Further research in this important area will help scientists target new drug treatments in sophisticated ways. One in three people over 65 will die with dementia yet dementia research receives eight times less funding than cancer research. We urgently need more investment so that dementia can be defeated.'

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society

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Ref:  Jones R (2010) Protein Aggregation Increases with Age. PLoS Biol 8(8): e1000449. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.1000449

For a full copy of the paper please visit: plosbiology.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pbio.1000449

Notes to editors:

• Research showed that common soluble proteins, such as those responsible for growth, can become insoluble and form aggregates in animals as they age.
• In younger animals, protein aggregation is kept in check by regulatory processes that control protein homeostasis, however, these processes seem to become less efficient with age.
• 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