Blood transfusions may transmit Alzheimer's-related amyloid β, study warns

Risk of transmission of amyloid β pathology via transfused blood products

A new study published in The Lancet raises concerns that amyloid β pathology, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, could be transmitted through blood transfusions. The research, based on a cohort of patients who received blood from donors later diagnosed with Alzheimer's or related conditions, found an increased risk of developing such pathology. While the absolute risk remains low, the findings suggest a potential iatrogenic route for prion-like protein propagation, warranting further investigation into blood screening practices.