Rubbish trucks on strike in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s

Scientists have long known that a substance called amyloid builds up in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease but they have not understood why. In a small study of 24 people, researchers in Washington have found that it was because amyloid wasn't naturally being cleared from the brain cells of people with Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'This exciting study gives us an insight into the building blocks of Alzheimer's disease.  It could be that people's natural 'rubbish trucks' are on strike and are not clearing away a protein called amyloid. We now need further research to find out why the system is not working properly and whether amyloid is toxic in higher concentrations.'

'The burning question is whether this process starts before the onset of symptoms as this could be vital to the development of new treatments.  As the number of people with dementia reaches a million in just 15 years we urgently need more investment in research.'

Professor Clive Ballard

Director of Research

Alzheimer's Society

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Research Reference:  Decreased Clearance of CNS β-Amyloid in Alzheimer's Disease. Kwasi G. Mawuenyega1, Wendy Sigurdson, et al. 9 December 2010. Page 2, 10.1126/science.1197236

Notes to editors:

• 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