WVXU: Does a key Alzheimer's study contain fabricated images?
A theory on what causes Alzheimer’s disease has been called into question following a recent investigation by Science Magazine that found potential image manipulation in a key 2006 study. The influential study popularized the “amyloid hypothesis” that Alzheimer’s disease is caused by sticky amyloid plaques in the brain.
The University of Cincinnati’s Alberto Espay, MD, professor of neurology in UC’s College of Medicine and a UC Health physician, has been outspoken in his questioning of the theory for years, noting that every subsequent study has disproven the amyloid hypothesis, despite nearly 2,300 articles citing the 2006 study and approximately $287 million in federal funding supporting this line of research.
Espay joined Charles Piller, author of the Science Magazine investigation, on WVXU's Cincinnati Edition to discuss the controversy and the future of Alzheimer's research.
"By the age of 85 years, which is in a normal lifespan, 60% of us will have these amyloid plaques, and yet only 10% of us will have dementia," Espay told Cincinnati Edition. "So that’s prevalence five times lower than predicted if amyloid were toxic."
Espay argues that amyloid plaques are a “consequence, not a cause” of Alzheimer’s disease. Cognitive impairment, he said, could be due to a decline in levels of a specific brain protein called amyloid-beta peptide, which then leads to the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain.
"My hope would be that this would be the greatest incentive that we needed to take on in order to revisit what is it that we used as the reason for which Alzheimer’s appears," Espay said. "It’s really overdue for a complete revisitation, and we need to think about our patients because they really need for us to not just simply be connected to an idea just because it’s compelling."
Listen to the Cincinnati Edition segment.
Read more about Espay’s research and alternative hypothesis for the cause of Alzheimer’s disease.
Featured photo at top courtesy of Unsplash.
Latest UC News
- UC Exercise Science Expo highlights community connections and industry expertiseOn March 28, 2024, the University of Cincinnati’s Exercise Science (EXSC) program, part of the School of Human Services, hosted the university’s inaugural Exercise Science Expo in the Tangeman University Center. The event, which was open to UC EXSC students, brought together industry representatives, community partners and recent alumni for a full day of networking, special speakers, internship and job opportunities, and more.
- From literature to AI: UC grad shares career path to successBefore Katie Trauth Taylor worked with international organizations like NASA, Boeing and Hershey, and before receiving accolades for her work in the generative AI space, she was in a much different industry – English and literature. Taylor earned her master's in English and Comparative Literature in UC’s College of Arts and Sciences. She completed her educational journey at Purdue University with a doctorate degree in rhetoric and composition. After working as a graduate assistant at Purdue and UC, she became a research professor at Miami University. It might seem from there that her career was set—perhaps a tenured professorship or a university administrative position. That might have been her path, but Taylor had her eyes set on different goals. So how did Taylor transition from literature and composition to tech entrepreneurship? She enjoys sharing that part of her story.
- Local 12: Head injury survivor, doctor share importance of wearing helmetLocal 12 spoke with patient Shane Shapiro and the University of Cincinnati's Laura Ngwenya about the importance of wearing a helmet following Shapiro's traumatic brain injury and recovery.
- WVXU: Why is part of Green Township called Dent?UC College of Arts and Sciences professor tells WVXU that Ohio's glacial past might explain how Dent got its name.
- UC hires Dr. Gregory Postel as senior vice president of health affairs and dean of UC College of MedicineUC Board of Trustees vote to hire Dr. Gregory Postel as senior vice president of health affairs and dean of UC College of Medicine.
- DAAP Fashion Show April 26: 2019 freshmen graduating with style, versatility, resilienceTwenty-eight University of Cincinnati student designers will showcase their collections at the 71st DAAP Live Fashion show, starting at 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 26, at MegaCorp Pavilion, an indoor/outdoor concert venue adjacent to Newport on the Levy in northern Kentucky.
