Hong Kong researchers join the vital race against Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, is a global ageing disease for which scientists worldwide are seeking a cure or prevention, while trying to develop drugs to delay or slow the onset of symptoms. Dementia is so prevalent – nearly one in 10 Hongkongers over 60 suffers from it – that groundbreaking progress on either front could be a public health event with socio-economic implications, including a longer life expectancy, not to mention the life-changing impact on patients and carers.

A surgical procedure for Alzheimer’s disease being tested in Hong Kong has the potential to make a real difference to patients by improving their ability to take care of basic needs, such as getting dressed and remaining socially engaged.

Researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) are running clinical trials on the procedure, which involves an operation to drain an abnormal build-up of two protein types in the brain – tau and amyloid – that damage brain cells and contribute to cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s is characterised by a build-up of these two proteins.