‘Brain drain’ find may hold key to Alzheimer’s

The mystery of how the brain gets rid of waste or toxic substances has finally been discovered by scientists – it has its own sewerage pipe.

For the first time, researchers have found vessels that take away harmful substances or dead cellular material to keep the brain healthy.

The findings, published in the journal elife, could help scientists understand neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, which is believed to be caused by a build-up of sticky plaques.

The study also says the vessels could act as a pipeline between the brain and the immune system, and may explain how physical illnesses are linked to mental problems, such as depression.