Each caused by different diseases of the brain. Prion diseases are a rare group of dementias, such as CJD and BSE, in which prion proteins clump together in the brain.  

Changes in the protein called amyloid occur in the brains of people with both Prion dementias and Alzheimer's disease. However, these are distinctly different conditions and people with Prion dementias do not develop the same brain changes of Alzheimer's disease.

'This interesting study found the part of a prion protein that cause clusters of amyloid to form in the brain. More research is now needed to see if prion proteins could be a new target for Alzheimer's or if they only play a part in prion dementias.

One million people will develop dementia in the next 10 years. We must act now and start investing in dementia research to find effective treatments for this devastating disease.'

Prof Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society