Cancer protects against Alzheimer's Disease

According to a new study in the Journal Neurology, cancer may protect against Alzheimer's disease and vice versa. The study followed 3020 people over 65 for 5+ years and monitored both cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

Those suffering Alzheimer's disease were 69% less likely to develop cancer and those suffering cancer were 43% less likely to suffer Alzheimer's disease. It is not clear why this occurs however lead researcher Catherine Roe did mention "In Alzheimer's disease, excessive cell death occurs, whereas cancer is characterized by excessive cell growth,”. This is a possible clue to the mechanisms at work here.

Although you would not choose either disease to prevent the other further research into the biological processes that produce this observation may well pave new strategies for the treatment of both.