US scientists overcome 'brain blockage' caused by Alzheimer's

Scientists from the US believe they have developed a way to prevent the "traffic jams" that occur in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers from the Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease claim that amyloid beta protein, a compound widely believed to be responsible for Alzheimer's disease, can block the transport of vital information inside brain cells.

But their latest research finds that reducing the level of another protein, tau, can prevent amyloid beta from causing such problems.

The study's lead author Dr Keith Vossel said the results are very exciting and open the door to new treatment methods.

"Tau reduction looks promising in this regard, although a lot more work needs to be done before such approaches can be explored in humans," added colleague Dr Lennart Mucke.

Scientists at the University of California, Irvine, recently discovered that a liver problem can lead to a deficiency of vital omega-3 acids in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease.

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