Nasal spray to vaccinate against Alzheimer's

A nasal spray could be used to vaccinate people against Alzheimer's disease, researchers have said.

Scientists at Tel Aviv University are developing a vaccine designed to round up "troops" from the body's immune system to repair the vascular damage in the brain which causes Alzheimer's disease.

Additionally, the researchers have said that as well as protecting against Alzheimer's disease, the spray could potentially work even when Alzheimer's symptoms are already present.

Collaborator Professor Howard L Weiner, of Harvard Medical School, said: "Using part of a drug that was previously tested as an influenza drug, we've managed to successfully induce an immune response against amyloid proteins in the blood vessels."

Meanwhile, one expert has maintained that older people can stave off dementia by remaining physically, mentally and socially active.

Laura Fratiglioni, of the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, said that while ageing is the main risk factor for dementia, the condition can be delayed or even avoided by leading an active and well rounded life.

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