Possible Alzheimer’s vaccine seems safe
By John Travis
The first tests in people of a vaccine that may slow or prevent the devastation of Alzheimer’s disease have so far shown that the approach is safe, scientists announced this week at a Washington, D.C., meeting. It’s still too early to gauge whether the vaccine actually works, however, say the researchers.
Newly reported animal tests added to the cautious optimism about the new vaccine strategy. In mice genetically engineered to develop brain lesions similar to those seen in Alzheimer’s disease, the vaccine averted expected declines in certain memory and learning skills.