In a new study, researchers used a patch to deliver an Alzheimer's vaccine to mice that spurred their immune systems to recognize beta amyloid protein and destroy it. That protein is linked to the formation of beta amyloid plaque in the brain that characterizes the memory-wasting disease. The researchers say that the decision to deliver the vaccine transdermally could help avoid incidences of inflammation and death in a study involving an injected vaccine. If a follow-up study finds that the patch can help preserve memory, the scientists will call for a human clinical trial.

"While many groups have shown vaccinating against the beta amyloid protein can reduce Alzheimer's-like pathology including certain cognitive deficits, this study is the first to demonstrate that immunization using the skin may be effective," says study leader Jun Tan of the University of South Florida department of psychiatry.

- check out the report [1] on the Alzheimer's study from the BBC

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