Research Suggests Blood Transfusions Could Help To Fight Brain Atrophy, Alzheimer’s Disease

Research by the Sutter Institute of Medical Research finds that blood infusions could help to prevent brain atrophy and delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease in early-stage patients. The study -- which included 50 patients ages 50 to 84 -- involved intravenous immunoglobulin, a blood product extracted from the plasma of blood donors that includes purified antibodies. The antibodies combat an abnormal brain protein that is found in patients with Alzheimer's.

• "Sutter Study Shows Promise of Blood Infusions Delaying Alzheimer's Onset" (Buck, Sacramento Bee, 10/19).