New research offers insight into Alzheimer’s progression processes

A new scientific study has revealed insights into the biological processes by which Alzheimer's disease affects different areas of the brain.

Researchers from the Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease have found that abnormal accumulation of amyloid beta proteins in the brain play a key role in triggering the effects of the neurodegenerative illness.

Amyloid beta is created when the larger amyloid precursor protein is broken down and can cause neuron death in the entorhinal cortex, a part of the brain which forms a circuit with the hippocampus that is critical to memory retention.

It was suggested that these insights into the disease may help to underpin the design of future treatments, allowing drugs to directly target the parts of the brain where the illness originates.

Dr Julie Harris, lead author of the study, explained: "It is conceivable that early interference in the entorhinal cortex might be of therapeutic benefit, perhaps halting disease progression."

Earlier this week, charity organisation Dementia UK said it is essential for Alzheimer's research funding levels to be maintained in order to find a potential cure for the condition.