Potatoes may hold key to Alzheimer's treatment

A virus that commonly infects potatoes bears a striking resemblance to one of the key proteins implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and researchers have used that to develop antibodies that may slow or prevent the onset of AD.

Studies in mice have demonstrated that vaccinations with the amyloid beta protein (believed to be a major AD contributor) to produce a/b antibodies can slow disease progression and improve cognitive function, possibly by promoting the destruction of amyloid plaques.

EurekAlert!