Recent research revealed that two proteins which work in tandem in the brain's blood vessels present a double whammy in Alzheimer's disease. Research team from the University of Rochester showed that the proteins -- SRF (serum response factor) and myocardin -- lessen blood flow in the brain and reduce the rate at which the brain is able to remove amyloid beta, the protein that accumulates in damaging quantities in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.

The study provided hard evidence directly linking two processes thought to be at play in Alzheimer's disease: reduction in blood flow and the buildup of toxic amyloid beta. Researchers believe that the interaction between the two proteins could prove an effective target for treatment.

Senior author and Rochester neuroscientist Dr. Berislav Zlokovic, said: "This is quite unexpected. On the other hand, both of these processes are mediated by the smooth muscle cells along blood vessel walls, and we know that those are seriously compromised in patients with Alzheimer's disease, so perhaps we shouldn't be completely surprised."