Life Sciences Alzheimer break-through

[Second Summer]

Scientists have broken new ground in the search for an Alzheimer’s cure, discovering a new potential cause of the disease, which it may be possible to target with drug treatments.

Experts said the findings, from Duke University in North Carolina, USA, could “open new doors” in the increasingly frustrated global hunt for a dementia therapy.

Researchers at Duke announced that their studies of Alzheimer’s in mice had thrown up a new process they believe contributes to the disease’s development.

More: Alzheimer's breakthrough: Scientists may have found potential cause of the disease in the behaviour of immune cells - giving new hope to millions - Health News - Health & Families - The Independent (15 April 2015)

Apparently, a certain kind of immune system cells start consuming the conditionally essential amino acid arginine. This is what leads to the protein build-up in the brain that forms plaques, as has previously been observed. The new drug will attempt to target this mechanism.

RIP mice.