Reduced oxygen flow leads to AD

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Scientists have proved that illnesses which reduce blood flow, including strokes and heart attacks, are likely to lead the sufferer developing Alzheimer's disease (AD).

The theory has been circulated round medical circles for a long time, but this is the first instance which has provided a concrete molecular explanation.
Led by Mr Weihong Song, the team of scientists came from University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Mr Song explained how the theory had been proven:
"If you have less oxygen, you turn up this gene and obviously generate more beta-amyloid [protein]. If you have a higher level of beta-amyloid, you form more plaque. If you have this plaque, then you will have dementia."
Beta-amyloid collects in knots in the brains of people with AD and it is this action which is thought to cause brain damage.
The link between low oxygen and plaque formation is thought to be a gene called BACE 1 and in studies with mice, this gene's activity increased when it was denied a regular supply of oxygen.
Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, told the BBC: "We hope that research in this area could suggest new methods to prevent and treat dementia in the future, particularly for those individuals who have suffered head trauma or a stroke."
Professor Clive Ballard, director of research at the Alzheimer's Society, added that regular exercise could aid prevention of dementia because it provides the brain with a regular supply of fresh blood.