Scientists discover there’s FIVE types of Alzheimer’s and are hopeful breakthrough could lead to cure [Video]

09:20 EST 09 Jan 2024 , updated 10:29 EST 09 Jan 2024

Scientists have discovered there are five types of Alzheimer’s, and this may explain why some drugs appear to be ineffective against the condition. 

Dutch experts came to this conclusion after examining proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid, found in the brain and spine, of over 400 patients. 

Analysing these proteins, they discovered key differences, separating what was once a single condition into five distinct sub-types, with different clinical progression and life expectancy. 

By identifying specific types of the disease, scientists now hope they will be able to create targeted, and therefore more effective, treatments.

Alzheimer’s, a leading cause of dementia, is a progressive disease of the brain which slowly robs sufferers of their memory. A build-up of abnormal proteins causes nerve cells to die.