New Alzheimer’s Treatment: Blood Exchange

Whole blood exchange treatment could decrease the formation of amyloid plaques that cause Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study from UTHealth in Houston.

The study, which was performed on mice, showed an 80% reduction in amyloid plaques and improved spatial memory performance. Researchers aren’t fully clear on the mechanisms of action associated with the blood exchange treatment, but this could be a potential new approach to treating Alzheimer’s.

However, the treatment of Alzheimer’s has long been difficult because of the blood-brain barrier. This research team discovered that manipulating circulating components in Alzheimer’s disease could be key to solving this issue.