Antibody could provide new treatment for Alzheimer's disease

A new type of antibody has been found to block a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease in mice, which could offer potential for a new route to treatment.

Recent research by University College London has found that the antibodies shut down a protein called Dkk1 that in turn stops the formation of amyloid plaque in the brain, a key factor in the progression of Alzheimer's, said the findings in the Journal of Neuroscience.

A build up of this plaque can lead to a loss of connection between synapses and the hippocampus. More research needs to be carried out in order to see whether this development is relevant to humans.

Lead author Patricia Salinas of the University College London Department of Cell and Developmental Biology said: "These novel findings raise the possibility that targeting this secreted Dkk1 protein could offer an effective treatment to protect synapses against the toxic effect of amyloid-B."

"Importantly, these results raise the hope for a treatment and perhaps the prevention of cognitive decline early in Alzheimer's disease."

Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disease which, along with other forms of dementia, affects more than 35 million people worldwide.

Posted by Ben Evans