Brain 'recycling' process could lead to Alzheimer's treatments

Scientists have uncovered a 'recycling' process in the brain which could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

The formation of abnormal amyloid fibrils, which is associated with several diseases including Alzheimer's, may not be permanent as was previously thought, according to research published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

It was found that protein molecules are constantly attaching and detaching from the fibrils, in a 'recycling' process which could be used to develop new treatments for Alzheimer's and the other conditions.

Researcher Natalia Carulla explained: "In the context of AD, demonstrating that recycling occurs in the fibrils is a step forward but it is also crucial to identify the recycling species involved; whether they are individual ... units or small aggregates made of several units."

In other news, a protein associated with leukaemia has been linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease, sccording to a Feinstein Institute study.

Authors aim to turn of the c-Abl protein in animal models and test the benefits of doing so.

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