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Mouse Study Suggests Alzheimer's Spreads Through Brain Like an Infection

If validated, finding might open doors to new therapies, even a vaccine, experts say

February 2, 2012 RSS Feed Print

Alzheimer's, which is irreversible and incurable, destroys memory and thinking skills and ultimately prevents people from carrying out everyday activities. It typically affects people 65 and older (called late-onset Alzheimer's) but it can strike younger people.

An estimated 5 million Americans may have the brain disorder, according to current estimates, and that number is projected to rise to as many as 16 million people by 2050 as the population ages.

The new research was supported by grants from the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the U.S. National Institute on Aging.

More information

The U.S. National Institute on Aging has more on Alzheimer's disease.