Study examines brain injury link to Alzheimer's

Healthcare News
29/08/2008
Researchers investigate the apparent increased risk of Alzheimer's following a brain injury.

Brain injuries can result in the build-up of a protein which is associated with Alzheimer's disease, a new study published in the Science journal suggests.

A team of researchers from Washington University and the University of Milan said their finding may explain why brain injuries increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's, Reuters reports.

Their study suggests that such injuries can result in an increase in the protein amyloid beta, which in turn could increase the amount of amyloid plaque associated with the condition.

According to the news provider, researcher Dr David Brody of Washington University said they expected levels of the protein to be high immediately after the injury and to gradually decrease, but in fact the level went up as patients recovered.

He suggested that the study actually raises more questions than it provides answers, adding: "This study is just the beginning."

Meanwhile, the Times recently reported that top UK neuroscientist Baroness Greenfield sees the development of an early Alzheimer's diagnosis test and effective treatment method as her number one research goal.

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