Perth researchers have made what could be a crucial finding in determining what causes Alzheimer’s disease.

The breakthrough is detailed in a study conducted by Curtin University and published in the prestigious PLOS Biology journal, which found Alzheimer’s disease could be the result of a “leakage phenomenon”.

“By leakage, I mean leakage of blood into brain,” lead Research Professor John Mamo told Liam Bartlett on 6PR Mornings.

“What we’ve done through this most recent publication is we can demonstrate very elegantly is that when the plasma or the blood abundance of this lipoprotein ameroid increases, what happens is the microscopic blood vessels that support brain function start losing their properties and they leak.”

Professor Mamo said while it’s too early for celebrations, he hopes the findings will stimulate research around the world.

“We’re privileged that we’ve been able to host a line of research inquiry which might provide some opportunities, particularly around prevention and future treatments,” he said.

“What we’d really like to see come out of this is to stimulate research at organisations globally to consider this potential pathway for Alzheimer’s, so there should be some good outcomes either way.”

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