Alzheimer’s ‘could be passed through blood transfusions and some surgery’
It is feared that proteins linked to the disease may remain on contaminated medical equipment, and be transmitted in blood from those with the brain-wasting condition
ALZHEIMER’S could be passed through blood transfusions and some surgery, experts claim.
It is feared that proteins linked to the disease may remain on contaminated medical equipment, and be transmitted in blood from those with the brain-wasting condition.
The alert comes after mice deliberately given human growth hormone tainted with protein amyloid beta developed signs of Alzheimer’s.
The hormone samples were implicated in a health scandal in the 1980s. They were given to eight people who later died.
Tests found amyloid plaques on the brains of seven — a sign of Alzheimer’s. The mice also had plaques in the tests at University College London, suggesting the protein was “accidentally” transmitted.
Study leader Prof John Collinge said: “We have now provided experimental evidence that amyloid beta pathology can be transmitted to people from contaminated materials.”
most read in health news
But UCL’s Prof Bart De Strooper said: “There is no reason to decline brain surgery.”
Prof John Hardy, also from UCL, said: “Neurosurgical procedures which involve persons with dementia should be carefully monitored for transmissibility issues as should blood transfusions from the elderly (60+) and from persons with a family history of early onset dementia.”
And Dr James Pickett, of the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “There is absolutely no evidence the disease is contagious. And there is good evidence to show that blood transfusions don’t increase your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease.”
None of the affected patients had developed full-blown Alzheimer’s at the time of their death.
- GOT a story? Ring The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or email [email protected].