Carmel, CA Alzheimer's Study On Beta Amyloid Could Be The Most Important In Two Decades

Beta amyloid is once again headlining the news, with a new study published on Wednesday in the journal Nature finding that excessive amounts of this natural substance which is normally found in the brain is a driving force in causing Alzheimer's disease.  Dr. Samuel Gandy, an Alzheimer's researcher who directs the Mount Sinai Center for Cognitive Health said the findings of the study are the most significant in this field in two decades (when researchers first found a gene mutation which leads to the disease).  Although none of the drugs which have been tested have worked clearing amyloid plaque, there is currently a race on to find one which does.  The study analyzed people who have a rare protective mutation (found in 1 of 10,000 people) in the gene for a large protein that is sliced to form beta amyloid.  The scientists looked at a group of subjects over 85 years old and found that those with the mutation appeared to be protected from developing Alzheimer's.  Furthermore, although about 90% of people with two ApoE4 genes get Alzheimer's disease by age 80, this study included 25 people with two copies of ApoE4 and none had Alzheimer's.  This is fascinating news and could spur more research money into this area.  Alzheimer's impacts us all in one way, shape or form.  Regular readers of my blog know that I am a big supporter of the Alzheimer's Association, which has a 24-hour help line at 800-272-3900. They are also the largest private supporter of Alzheimer's research in the United States. Please help them with their important mission if you can by clicking on this link for  Family inHome Caregiving fundraising site for Alzheimer's Association.