New Study Reveals Potential Link between Growth Hormone and Alzheimer's Disease
A recent study has raised concerns about the potential transmission of Alzheimer's disease through a now-banned growth hormone that was administered to short children in the United States and the United Kingdom between the 1960s and 1980s. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of California San Francisco and a London-based medical group, suggests that some individuals who received this hormone later developed Alzheimer's disease at a relatively young age.
The underlying concept of transmissible brain diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and the prion disorder known as Kreutzfeldt-Jakob disease, has been recognized for some time. Proteins in the brain can misfold, leading to the onset of various brain diseases. In rare cases, if these misfolded proteins are accidentally transferred from one person's brain to another, it may result in the development of neurodegenerative conditions.
The study by Dr. John Collins and colleagues in London builds upon accumulating evidence that suggests the possibility of Alzheimer's transmission under extraordinary circumstances. The researchers found that a group of nearly 2,000 children who received the growth hormone due to short stature experienced symptoms associated with Alzheimer's between the ages of 38 and 55. Tests also revealed the presence of the misfolded protein associated with the disease.
Following the publication of the study, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States released a statement announcing their intention to convene a committee to examine the data and discuss any potential associations between the growth hormone treatment and dementia-related conditions, including Alzheimer's. They will also be reanalyzing the available data to gain further insights into the possible risks associated with the use of this hormone.
For individuals who received the growth hormone during the specified period, it is important to note that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Human Health and Services maintain records of everyone who received these hormones. In the case of prion diseases, individuals on the list have already been made aware of their potential risk. However, there are concerns regarding those who received the hormone but did not receive a batch contaminated with prions, yet may be at risk for Alzheimer's-related diseases. The NIH and other health organizations will need to address this issue and study the potential implications.
While this study has garnered significant attention, it is essential to emphasize that the risk remains very low. Even in the UK, where approximately 1,700 individuals received the growth hormone, only a small number developed Alzheimer's disease. It is important for further research to be conducted to fully understand the extent of the potential risk associated with the hormone treatment.
In conclusion, the recently published study raises concerns about the possible transmission of Alzheimer's disease in individuals who received a now-banned growth hormone during their childhood. The NIH and other health organizations will be closely examining the data to determine any potential associations between the hormone treatment and dementia-related conditions. While the risk remains low, continued research is necessary to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
