The ‘protein repair’ that offers hope on dementia

A CURE for dementia may have come a step closer after scientists found a way of repairing ‘misfolded’ proteins linked to the condition.

Researchers discovered a ‘shock’ to cells can reverse the abnormal build-up of proteins called amyloid beta in the brain.

When these proteins are misfolded, they end up sticky on the outside and clump together to form plaques – which is thought to kill brain cells and lead to Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia.

Scientists found heat shock proteins, which are triggered by high body temperatures, can undo this misfolding. It could help to explain research showing people who frequently use saunas in Finland are less likely to get dementia.

Experts are searching for a way to provoke a similar reaction in the brain, which could lead to a drug being developed.

The team from the UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Cambridge cautioned that the research is in its early stages. But Dr Edward Avezov, senior author of the study, said: ‘Optimistically, in the future we could find a drug to awaken this mechanism we have discovered and prevent diseases like dementia.’

Scientists have struggled to remove amyloid beta clumps in the brain. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, identifies a potential means of preventing the build-up.