Protein Controlling Blood Pressure May Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

Scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found in a recent study that by genetically targeting certain immune blood cells to overproduce the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), defective proteins in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease can be broken down, preventing cognitive decline. The study, conducted with laboratory mice, demonstrates for the first time that ACE — which is largely known for its effects outside the central nervous system — can induce a protective immune response in the brain and affect cognition. The study used a combination strategy that delivered the enzyme to attack and destroy beta-amyloid proteins in the brain in order to enhance the immune system’s ability to clear uncontrolled inflammation, both of which are strongly associated with Alzheimer’s disease. To read more about this study, click here.