Immunization

Immunization has reduced the incidence of diseases such as smallpox to low or zero levels and reduced the risk of influenza. It is unclear whether it can be used in other, non-infectious diseases, although due to low cost, the benefits would be enormous. The Byrd Institute has an active program to asses the potential of vaccination to delay or prevent the development of Alzheimer's symptoms in mouse models of the disease.

Lifelong immunization with human beta-amyloid (1-42) protects Alzheimer's transgenic mice against cognitive impairment throughout aging
Jensen, M. T., Mottin, M. D., Cracchiolo, J. R., Leighty, R. E. and Arendash, G. W.
Neuroscience (2005) 130: 667-84
An experimental protocol was used to immunize adult mice to reduce the level of the Alzheimer's-associated protein, Abeta. Mice that had lower Abeta levels had better cognitive performance.

Passive immunotherapy against Abeta in aged APP-transgenic mice reverses cognitive deficits and depletes parenchymal amyloid deposits in spite of increased vascular amyloid and microhemorrhage
Wilcock, D. M., Rojiani, A., Rosenthal, A., Subbarao, S., Freeman, M. J., Gordon, M. N. and Morgan, D.
J Neuroinflammation (2004) 1: 24
Immunization as a therapy does have risks and it is critical to reduce these, even though it is not possible to eliminate them entirely. This study demonstrates that in spite of the benefits of immunization, damage to blood vessels can occur. As mice do not live long this is less of a concern in these animals than it is in humans.