British researchers have discovered common protein fragments in people with Alzheimer’s disease and people with glaucoma. This discovery may change how both diseases are treated. These protein fragments are called amyloid-beta. In people with Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid beta fragments form plaques in the brain. In people with glaucoma, amyloid beta fragments seem to cause the death of cells in the retina. The University College of London study focused on testing drugs that blocked pathways normally traveled by the amyloid beta fragments. In animal testing, the drugs reduced eye damage and helped preserve the lives of cells in the retina. The … Continue reading →