Researchers remove enzyme to reduce Alzheimer's plaques

Researchers have successfully reduced the number of compounds used to create the amyloid plaques that lead to Alzheimer's disease by removing a key enzyme.

In a mouse model, a team from Ohio State University eliminated jnk3, which stimulates the amyloid protein that causes the build-up of plaques in the brain.

By targeting this enzyme, it was observed that the development of plaques was reduced by 90 per cent. This is the most dramatic fall reported to date.

It was also observed that jnk3 activity in brain tissue was increased by 30 to 40 per cent in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

This means that the enzyme could be a new target for prevention strategies and early intervention.

The findings follow those of a recent study that suggests sleep problems could be a symptom of Alzheimer's, manifesting long before any other cognitive signs.

If this is true, patients could be diagnosed with the condition at a much earlier juncture.

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