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The search for ways to prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease has been stymied in part by difficulties in reliably delivering therapeutics into the brain to prevent proteins there from depositing fibrous plaques that damage synapses and ultimately wreck one's cognitive abilities. Researchers have experimented with antibodies, peptides and even nanoparticles to find some way of effectively preventing plaque formation but these efforts have yet to yield an anti-Alzheimer's drug.

Nanoparticles have been investigated in recent years as tools for defending the brain against neurotoxic proteins that may contribute to the onset of several different neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease . Such proteins, in particular amyloid-beta peptides, are thought to play a role depositing fibrous plaques on the brain that damage synapses (the contact points between neurons) and lead to a decline in cognitive capabilities .

Chris Wragge speaks with Dr.

People who develop Alzheimer's disease show brain shrinkage years before symptoms appear, study shows

Dr. Jon LaPook reports on the caregivers for Alzheimer's patients, many of whom are spouses or family members, suffering right along with their loved ones.

Nearly 15 million Americans provide nearly 17 billion hours of unpaid Alzheimer's care annually