A team of scientists has suggested that blood transfusions and contaminated surgical instruments can pass on Alzheimer’s disease. They said the disease can be transmissible in the same way as Creuzfeldt Jakob Disease (CJD).

Scientists and some other experts that were not involved in the study said that the risk of the transmission of the disease was largely theoretical. The team published their study’s findings in the journal Nature.

Researchers during their study found the evidence that suggested one of the hallmark proteins of Alzheimer's that could go on to develop into the brain disease spread to a group of patients via a now banned form of hormone treatment.

Study’s lead author John Collinge, a University College London professor and director of the Prion Unit said in a statement that the find they came across their study was quite surprising.

As per the team, the growth treatment, using human-derived hormones, is no longer used due to the risk of contamination.

Tina Leonard, the organization’s head of advocacy said, “While the findings certainly sound alarming, there is currently no evidence that the disease is a contagious condition and can be transmitted from person to person via a medical procedure”.

Leonard’s comments were supported by Brain Lawlor, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry of St James's Hospital, who said the study, is small and some more work will be needed. So he said that drawing any conclusion at this point of time is premature.

The biggest risk factor for Alzheimer's is age, along with genetics and lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity and high blood pressure.