Barchester News

Study to investigate inherited form of Alzheimer's
27/11/2008
American researchers to examine form of conditon which can afflict younger age groups.

A new US study is set to investigate an inherited form of Alzheimer's disease.

The Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Disease Network study will span six years and be funded to the tune of $16 million (£10.8 million) by the country's National Institute on Ageing, which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

According to researchers, fewer than five per cent of Alzheimer's patients are diagnosed with the inherited form of the disease, which sometimes affects people as early as in their 30s or 40s.

NIH director Richard Hodes said the study will make use of an international network of research sites spanning the US, England and Australia.

He added: "By sharing data within the network, we hope to advance our knowledge of the brain mechanisms involved in Alzheimer's, eventually leading to targets for therapies that can delay or even prevent progress of the disease."

Earlier this week the findings of a major US study were released, which suggested the herbal supplement ginkgo biloba is ineffective as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

According to results published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, a 240 milligram daily dose had no effect on the onset of Alzheimer's or dementia.

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