A Cure for Alzhelmer's Disease

clipped from www.dailyexpress.co.uk SCIENTISTS believe they have discovered a “cure” for Alzheimer’s, the devastating illness that affects nearly 600,000 people in the UK. Alzheimer’s is caused when amyloid – a chemical that naturally occurs in the bloodstream – passes into the brain. Once there it forms plaques that harden. These damage communication between brain cells and eventually cause brain cell death. Scientists have discovered a synthetic human protein that is capable of soaking up amyloid – preventing it leaking into the brain. Researchers say trials will start within two years. Patients will be screened for the disease by a blood test that reveals if they have high levels of amyloid. Professor Berislav Zlokovic, of Rochester University in the US, who is behind the new study, said: “Stop over-production of amyloid and you effectively cure Alzheimer’s disease. It’s very simple.”