According to an article in The Asahi Shimbun, Japanese scientists have developed a new vaccine to mitigate neuronal degeneration caused by Alzheimer’s disease. The vaccine, delivered nasally, had promising results when tested on mice models. Read the full article published in Nature.

About Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Neurons in the brain disconnect from each other, leading them to die. Currently, researchers are not clear what causes Alzheimer’s disease. It is believed that it may be a result of genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, issues with decision-making or critical thinking skills, and problems completing tasks. Other complications, such as pneumonia, dehydration, and infections may occur. Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease.

The Research

Previously, scientists attributed a buildup of tau proteins in the brain to the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Normally, tau protein helps form microtubules, which transport nutrients and messages between nerve cells. In patients with Alzheimer’s, the protein is misshapen. As such, it prevents normal messaging. Find out more about the intersection of tau and Alzheimer’s.

To start developing their treatment, researchers combined a gene with a harmless virus. This was designed to stimulate tau production from the virus. They then administered the vaccine nasally in genetically-modified mice models whose gene signify dementia development.

The vaccine prompted an immune response from the mice. As a result, their antibodies blocked the buildup of tau protein, even going so far as to remove the protein from the brain. Their brain tissue was also significantly less atrophied than mice who were not vaccinated. Over 8 months of treatment, no side effects or adverse reactions were observed.

Ultimately, these findings are promising. However, scientists would still need to replicate the findings in human subjects in the future.