New tau insight could improve Alzheimer's understanding

Researchers believe they have gained a better understanding of Alzheimer's disease through a recent discovery of how the tau protein spreads in the brain.

A study at Mount Sinai School of Medicine founded that misfolded tau protein - one of the main causes of Alzheimer's - internalises paired helical filaments (PHFs) and spreads to normal tau protein cells.

Dr Giulio Maria Pasinetti, leader of the study, commented: "While these findings are potentially important for possibly opening new therapeutic avenues in Alzheimer's disease, they also shed light on a new therapeutic target for a wide variety of disorders sharing pathological features with Alzheimer's disease."

It is hoped that the knowledge can be used to help researchers find ways to prevent tau from damaging brain circuits and spreading.

This will be useful in both preventing Alzheimer's disease and stopping it in its tracks, before harm to the brain becomes too prolific.

Find out more about Alzheimer's disease care at Barchester homes.