Promising animal research model for Alzheimer’s disease created

A new line of genetically altered mice has been developed that could be used to improve treatment for patients affected by the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers from the University of Florida and Johns Hopkins University have created the new animal research model by using an antibiotic that can be used to trigger production of a peptide that causes the plaques in the brain associated with Alzheimer's.

This had the result of creating persistent memory problems resembling the early stage of the neurodegenerative condition, making these mice ideal test subjects for new therapy options.

Scientists are hoping to be able to use these models to progress the development of treatments that can preserve brain function for longer and delay the appearance of more severe symptoms.

David Borchelt, the university's professor of neuroscience at the Evelyn F and William L McKnight Brain Institute, said: "This model may be useful to researchers to test drugs that could help with symptoms of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease."

Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia in the UK, accounting for around 62 percent of cases in England.