Master protein could be Alzheimer's key

A protein may be the key to a breakthrough in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, according to new research.

Researchers at the Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease in San Francisco studied the effects of master protein, EphB2 in mice.

When levels of the protein were artificially boosted, symptoms of Alzheimer's in affected mice were completely removed.

"We think that blocking amyloid proteins from binding to EphB2, and enhancing EphB2 levels or functions with drugs might be of benefit in Alzheimer's disease," said Dr Lennart Mucke, who led the study.

However, experts have warned that much more research will be needed to see if these results can be replicated in humans.

Meanwhile, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania found that walking six miles per week can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's while five miles a week can slow its progression.

The more people walked in the space of a week, the bigger their brains were found to be.

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