Anoxic brain due to stroke can lead to Alzheimer's disease

Ordinary people (left) and Alzheimer's patients (Photo: alzalaska.org)

Experts at the University of British Columbia (Canada) have just discovered how heart disease or stroke can trigger Alzheimer's disease.

Both diseases lead to reduced levels of oxygen circulating in the brain, which stimulates the rapid development of Alzheimer's specific protein plaque.

Research results on mice showed that lack of oxygen increased the activity of the gene BACE1, which plays a role in regulating the production of beta amyloid protein - the damage agent for brain cells. Scientists believe that there is growing evidence that sustaining enough blood and circulating oxygen to the brain is critical to reducing the risk of dementia in people with stroke or heart attack.

To reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease as you get older, experts recommend that you should now exercise, check your blood pressure and eat well.

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