Swedish research bolsters protein-Alzheimer's link
TT/The Local - [email protected]
Published: 14 Oct, 2008 CET.
Updated: Tue 14 Oct 2008 08:14 CET
The presence of a certain protein can help protect the elderly from developing Alzheimer’s, according to a group of Swedish researchers at Uppsala University.
The scientists have discovered that men with low levels of the protein cystatin C run a higher risk of developing the disease within the next few years. The study was conducted on 1,200 men and is published in the journal Neurology.
“Our results give further support to the hypothesis that cystatin C protects the brain against the development of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Johan Sundelöf of Uppsala University Hospital’s geriatric clinic, to the Upsala Nya Tidning newspaper.
More studies are needed, however, including one involving women, before doctors can say more definitively that the connection exists and begin testing patients for their risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Comments
See Also
The scientists have discovered that men with low levels of the protein cystatin C run a higher risk of developing the disease within the next few years. The study was conducted on 1,200 men and is published in the journal Neurology.
“Our results give further support to the hypothesis that cystatin C protects the brain against the development of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Johan Sundelöf of Uppsala University Hospital’s geriatric clinic, to the Upsala Nya Tidning newspaper.
More studies are needed, however, including one involving women, before doctors can say more definitively that the connection exists and begin testing patients for their risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.