High levels of the protein beta-amyloid in the brain that is associated with Alzheimer’s disease may affect brain performance even in healthy adults, according to a study published in the February 1, 2012, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

“In our study, we observed that even in…    



A new test might facilitate diagnosis and drug development for Alzheimer’s disease

An international team of researchers have developed a new method for measurement of aggregated beta-amyloid – a protein complex believed to cause major nerve cell damage and dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease. The new method might facilitate diagnosis and detection as well as development of drugs directed against aggregated beta-amyloid.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the…    



Omega-3s may help lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Eating foods such as chicken, fish and nuts may help lower blood levels of a protein strongly associated with Alzheimer’s disease and memory problems, according to new research.

In the Columbia University study, people who consumed diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids had significantly lower levels of a protein called beta-amyloid in their blood…    



Immune system may protect against Alzheimer’s changes

Recent work in mice suggested that the immune system is involved in removing beta-amyloid, the main Alzheimer’s-causing substance in the brain. Researchers have now shown for the first time that this may apply in humans.

Researchers at the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Exeter with colleagues in the National Institute on…    



Biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid can identify patients with Alzheimer’s disease

Analysis of specific biomarkers in a cerebrospinal fluid sample can differentiate patients with Alzheimer’s disease from those with other types of dementia. The method, which is being studied by researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy, may eventually permit earlier detection of Alzheimer’s disease.

Due to the similarity of the symptoms, differentiating patients with Alzheimer’s from those…    



Team Unravels Central Mystery of Alzheimer’s

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have shed light on one of the major toxic mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease. The discoveries could lead to a much better understanding of the Alzheimer’s process and how to prevent it.

The findings, reported in the April 10, 2013 issue of the journal Neuron, show that brain…