Blood transfusions ‘ease Alzheimer’s’

BLOOD plasma taken from young people and given to those with Alzheimer’s could alleviate the symptoms of the disease.

A study has found that so-called ‘vampire transfusions’ may help those with dementia regain the capacity to perform basic tasks such as making food.

Researchers at Stanford University in the US gave 1 older people with Alzheimer’s disease the blood plasma – the liquid, cellfree part of blood – of 1 to 30-year-olds.

At first, nine people with the disease were given four weekly infusions of blood plasma taken from younger people or a saline solution instead, before reversing the regimen to see what the difference would be.

In a second trial, all nine people received the blood plasma. After the participants received the transfusions, they were said by their carers to have improved in being able to do everyday tasks.

Principal investigator Dr Sharon Sha said: ‘Our enthusiasm concerning these findings needs to be tempered by the fact that this was a small trial. But these results certainly warrant further study.’

It follows a Stanford study in 2014 which found blood from young mice rejuvenated the brain of older members of their species.

Dr Carol Routledge, director of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: ‘While the researchers point to potential signs of improvements, we need to see much larger studies before we can tell if this interesting approach could help ... people living with Alzheimer’s.’