Alzheimer's disease may be caught through medical accidents

Alzheimer's disease may be transmissible through blood transfusions and medical accidents in the same way as Creuzfeldt Jakob Disease (CJD), scientists believe.

In a landmark finding described as a "paradigm shift", researchers at University College London said it was possible that the "seeds" of dementia could be transferred from the brain tissue of one person to another.

Worryingly, the proteins that cause dementia are a type called prions which can stick to metal surfaces, like surgical instruments, and are resistant to conventional sterilization.

It means that it would be theoretically possible to become infected with Alzheimer's seeds through a blood transfusion, brain surgery, or invasive dental work, like a root canal operation. And because the incubation period can be up to 40 years, people could be unaware that they have been contaminated.

The government's Chief Medical Officer, Dame Sally Davies, said the Department of Health was monitoring the situation but reassured the public that there was little risk.
Source : The telegraph