Swedish researchers have developed a vaccine that homes in on the tau protein. In fact, all but one of the 30 vaccinated patients showed a favorable immune response.
The treatment succeeded by coupling the antibody to a carrier molecule not present in humans. This thwarted an immune reaction toward the body itself. The study involved people aged 50 to 85 with moderate Alzheimer’s disease impairment.
Given the promising nature of these first results, investigators plan to continue clinical trials. Full findings appear in The Lancet Neurology.
More than 36 million people worldwide live with dementia, primarily Alzheimer’s. This number is expected to double by 2030 and triple by 2050 unless an effective treatment is found, according to World Health Organization figures.
