Immune boost could fight Alzheimer’s

The human immune system may have the ability to fight Alzheimer’s disease, British researchers say.

A new genetic study has show how an immune system gene is related to memory – suggesting that a strong immune system could prevent mental decay.

The discovery has been made at the Peninsula Medical School, Devon, UK in a joint project with researchers at Azienda Sanitaria Firenze, Italy, and at the National Institute on Aging, USA.

The gene was discovered in mice where researchers discovered it could remove beta-amyloid – which causes Alzheimer’s – from the brain.

The latest study suggests that where the gene CCR2 is active in elderly humans, memory is strong – suggesting the gene is active in preventing dementia.

Researcher Professor David Melzer said the findings were "very exciting".

He said: "It may be that CCR2-associated immunity could be strengthened in humans to slow Alzheimer’s disease, but much more work will be needed to ensure that this approach is safe and effective."

Leukocyte CCR2 Expression Is Associated with Mini-Mental State Examination Score in Older Adults. Alexander Fellows, William Henley, Dena Hernandez, Jack M. Guralnik, Stefania Bandinelli, Andrew Singleton, Luigi Ferrucci and David Melzer. Rejuvenation Research 2012