US scientists have uncovered more clues to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease that may further explain why some people are prone to it and others are not.
They claim that a type of protein that causes damage to the brain is cleared out slower in people prone to the condition, thus their risk of developing memory loss is greater.
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by a build up of a dangerous plaque protein on the brain called beta-amyloid protein which when present, impairs the ability of the brain to function properly.
If the clearance capability of the brain to get rid of this dangerous protein is lagging, then it builds up on the surface of the brain, and thus the risk of memory loss leading to Alzheimer’s disease increases.
As we age, the ability of our brains to clear out this dangerous protein lessens, thus older people are at much greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s than younger folk.
The study can be found in the journal Science.
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