Alzheimer's Disease

Frequently Asked Questions

24. Will a vaccine one day prevent Alzheimer's disease?

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Early vaccine studies in mice successfully reduced beta-amyloid plaques in the brain and improved the way mice performed on memory tests. But when the studies were conducted in humans, they had to be stopped because some participants experienced side effects. However, scientists are continuing to study variations in the vaccine approach in the hope that they will reduce the beta-amyloid in the brain while minimizing harmful side effects.