Research Challenges Beta-Amyloid As Culprit Behind Alzheimer’s

Crenezumab Misses Primary Targets in Phase II Alzheimer's Trial
Crenezumab Misses Primary Targets in Phase II Alzheimer’s Trial
Researchers say that malfunctioning of the protein tau, responsible for clearing toxins out of cells, can lead to Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Scientists found toxic protein thought to cause dementia is not responsible. A different protein, called tau, leads to destruction of vital brain connections. Tau kills brain’s neurons if it malfunctions due to aging or faulty genes. But cancer drug nilotinib can fight this and help clear the brain’s ‘garbage’ A cancer drug could help ­protect brain cells from the effects of ­Alzheimer’s disease, new research has found.

Researchers, from the Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington found it is the tau protein that kills neurons in the brain when it malfunctions.