Cholesterol has long been cited as bad for our health, known to increase risk for heart disease. New evidence suggests that one of the components of cholesterol HDL (the good cholesterol) may also play a role in how well older individuals retain their...

The drugs, still in clinical trials, form a new class called gamma-secretase modulators (GSM).

A study in Nature shows they cut levels of the protein that forms the sticky clumps associated with Alzheimer's.

In addition, the international research team found the drugs boost levels of shorter pieces of the same protein which help to inhibit clump formation.

This is an exciting step forward towards a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease
Rebecca Wood
Alzheimer's Research Trust

The clumps - or plaques - are formed of long pieces of amyloid beta protein, and are thought to cause the breakdown of communications between brain cells and lead to the development of dementia.

But shorter pieces of amyloid beta stop the longer pieces from sticking to each other.

The researchers compared the dual action of GSMs with that of drugs which help reduce the risk of heart problems by both lowering levels of harmful cholesterol, and raising levels of cholesterol...
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