Alzheimer's Q&A: Does this mean that we can 'catch' the disease? Is this a health scare?
A new study suggests that Alzheimer’s can be transmitted between people
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.What has this study shown?
For the first time scientists have tentative evidence that Alzheimer’s disease can be transmitted from one person to another via a medical procedure, specifically the injection of growth hormone made from the pituitary glands attached to the brains of dead people.
Why is this important?
Until now Alzheimer’s disease was only thought to occur in two ways. Either by inheriting genetic mutations linked with the “familial” form of the disease or by a random “sporadic” event that occurs in the brains of elderly people. This study now suggests there is a third way of getting Alzheimer’s through transmission from person to person.
Does this mean we can “catch” Alzheimer’s?
No, not in the sense that we catch flu or other contagious infections. It does not mean that someone can contract Alzheimer’s from living with or caring for a patient. The study only suggests that it may be possible to transmit it via certain medical practices.
So how can Alzheimer’s be transmitted?
This study suggests it may be transmitted as protein “seeds” that once contaminated growth hormone injections given worldwide to about 30,000 children of short stature between 1958 and 1985. It is not proof, as this is only an “observational” study, but other possible explanations have been ruled out.
What about other surgical procedures?
If the seeds of Alzheimer’s can be transmitted in growth hormone, then it is conceivable it may also be transmitted via contaminated surgical instruments or tissues. Scientists are suggesting that the safety of blood transfusions and dental root-canal treatment, for instance, may have to be reviewed given the relatively high proportion of the population who may carry the protein “seeds” of Alzheimer’s without showing any clinical symptoms.
Is this another health scare?
The findings should be put into perspective. There is no evidence that Alzheimer’s is being transmitted in any clinical procedure, other than possibly this very special case of growth hormone injections, which were stopped in 1985. However, it would be prudent to investigate the likely risks given the findings published last night in the journal Nature.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments