A discovery by scientists could mean new hope for patients with Alzheimer's
disease and their loved ones.
The journal "Nature" is reporting research
about a rare genetic mutation that appears to protect against Alzheimer's.
The researchers in Iceland say the mutation appears to slow the production
of the beta-amyloid protein, which has long been considered to be a cause of this form of
dementia.
It's possible that the genetic mutation could be exclusive to the
Icelandic population.
The study helps support the theory that beta-amyloid
plaques, a build-up of the protein, cause Alzheimer's.
An estimated 5 million Americans suffer from the disease, which has no cure. A Harvard Medical School neurologist says this research could help in
the development of new, more promising drugs.
