• Children were given growth hormones and later developed early-onset dementia
• Alzheimer's is caused by a toxic amyloid-beta protein building up in the brain
• Did you or anyone you know get the injections as a child? We want to hear from YOU - get in touch: Health@dailymail.com

As prions accumulate in the brain, the NHS says plaque deposits may appear in the brain. Abnormal build-ups of proteins in and around neurons is thought to be what causes Alzheimer's.

Professor John Collinge, of University College London, said action must be taken to prevent accidental transmission in the future.

He said: 'These patients were given a specific and long-discontinued medical treatment which involved injecting them with material now known to have been contaminated with disease-related proteins. Alzheimer's can be spread BETWEEN humans: Pioneering study reveals at least five people have 'caught' memory-robbing illness - as scientists warn hundreds more may be 'at risk' | Daily Mail Online