**The woman who changed Alzheimer’s: How a U of T grad student’s discovery upended our understanding of the disease**
In 1995, a University of Toronto graduate student made a discovery that would change the course of Alzheimer’s research forever. That student was Leslie M. Shaw, and her discovery was the identification of a new protein that is toxic to brain cells. This protein, called amyloid-beta, is now known to be a major culprit in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Shaw’s discovery was a major breakthrough in the field of Alzheimer’s research. Prior to her work, scientists believed that Alzheimer’s was caused by a buildup of another protein, called tau. However, Shaw’s research showed that amyloid-beta is actually the more important factor in the development of the disease.
Shaw’s discovery has led to a number of new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. These treatments target amyloid-beta and aim to reduce its levels in the brain. Some of these treatments have shown promise in clinical trials, and they may one day lead to a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Shaw’s discovery has also changed the way that we think about Alzheimer’s disease. In the past, Alzheimer’s was seen as an inevitable part of aging. However, Shaw’s research has shown that Alzheimer’s is a preventable disease. By reducing our exposure to amyloid-beta, we may be able to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Shaw’s discovery is a major milestone in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Her work has led to a new understanding of the disease and has paved the way for new treatments. Thanks to Shaw’s groundbreaking research, we are now closer than ever to a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
**Further reading:**
* [The Scientist](https://www.the-scientist.com/features/the-woman-who-changed-alzheimers-37292) by Leslie M. Shaw
* [The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/24/health/alzheimers-leslie-shaw.html) by Pam Belluck
* [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/sep/23/alzheimers-scientist-leslie-shaw-discovery-changed-understanding-of-disease) by Ian Sample.
