METHOD FOR DECREASING BETA-AMYLOID PROTEIN

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a diagnostic agent and a medicine for decreasing the production of an amyloid β protein, thereby preventing or suppressing conditions liable to develop AD. SOLUTION: A blood cholesterol level is correlated with production of Aβ, and is a predictor of a population at risk of developing AD. The method for lowering a blood cholesterol level can be used to decrease the production of Aβ, and thereby decrease the risk of developing AD. The method and compositions can also be used for treating an individual diagnosed with AD. The method includes administration of compounds which increase uptake of cholesterol by the liver (such as an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor), administration of compositions which block endogenous cholesterol production (such as an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor), administration of compositions which prevent uptake of dietary cholesterol, and administration of combinations of any of these which are effective to lower a blood cholesterol level. COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT