2026-04-16 12:02:09

A surgical procedure designed to flush harmful proteins from the brain is being hailed by Chinese surgeons as a potential breakthrough in dementia treatment.

The operation, known as lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), is already used on the NHS to treat lymphoedema in breast cancer patients.

Now doctors are adapting the same principle to tackle Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Rather than operating directly on the brain, surgeons make a small incision in the neck below the jaw.

They connect a lymphatic vessel carrying waste fluid from the brain to a nearby vein, allowing toxic proteins linked to dementia to drain into the bloodstream and be removed naturally by the body.

Scientists believe ageing slows the brain’s waste-clearing system, allowing amyloid proteins to build up into plaques associated with memory loss, confusion and personality changes.

Around 2,000 dementia patients in China have undergone the procedure, and there have been claims that some who could no longer recognise relatives have regained memories and become able to hold conversations again.

Two small Chinese studies also reported improvements in cognitive test scores following surgery.

However, experts have urged caution. China restricted the procedure in July 2025 so it can only be carried out as part of research projects.

Trials are now being launched in Singapore and the United States, raising hopes the controversial approach could soon face proper scientific testing.

Visit Bang Bizarre (main website)