Alzheimer’s vaccine cannot restore learning, memory

New research has shown that a once-promising Alzheimer’s vaccine doesn’t have the effect scientists first hoped for, according to a UCI study.

Scientists initially hoped the vaccine could help restore learning and memory by clearing beta-amyloid plaques from the brain.

Research has now shown that despite the vaccine clearing the plaque, it does not restore learning or memory, according to the study published in the April issue of the Journal of Neuroscience.

The researchers remained optimistic, suggesting other therapies along with the vaccine that could treat the disease.

The two-year study experimented on aging canines to see the vaccine’s effects. The study showed little difference in the dogs treated with the vaccine versus those who were not.

Autopsies showed the dogs still had damaged neurons in the area of the brain that controls learning and memory despite the fact the plaque had been cleared out.

— Daniel Tedford