The structure of proteins in Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome has common features. This has been shown by a study published in the journal. Nature Structural and Molecular Biology (NSMB).
Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder in humans and the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability. More than 90% of people with this diagnosis develop Alzheimer’s disease between the ages of 55 and 60.
In both diseases, amyloid protein and tau protein accumulate. However, it was not known whether their structures were different. In a new study, scientists used cryo-electron microscopy to discover similarities in proteins in Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome. The resolution of the images was almost at the atomic level.
The results support common mechanisms between Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome and could lead to better treatments for both conditions. Scientists stated that it is important to include people with Down syndrome in clinical trials of drugs targeting amyloid and tau proteins.
previous doctors saidHow to regain memory in the early stages of dementia.