Study identifies potential way to stop brain cell death

Scientists at the University of Leicester studied mice with neurodegeneration caused by prion disease. They found that the build up of misfolded proteins in the brains of these mice stops the production of new proteins leading to the death of cells.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'The ability to stop Alzheimer's disease in its tracks would be hugely exciting. This research looked at prion proteins, where abnormal activity can lead to conditions such as mad cow disease.  It will be important to see whether similar mechanisms control abnormal folding of proteins in people with Alzheimer's disease, and whether this could offer a novel approach to develop new treatments. One in three people will die with dementia. We need further research in this area to help us move forward in our understanding of what causes the condition.'

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society

Research reference: Professor Giovanna Mallucci et al. 'Sustained translational repression by eIF2a-P mediates prion neurodegeneration' published in Nature 7 May 2012

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Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than ten 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
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