Mechanism suggested for Guam illness

A research team has invoked protein chemistry to propose a solution to one of the most puzzling parts of Guam’s long-standing neuroscience mystery.

During the 20th century, the prevalence of the neurologic disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/Parkinsonism dementia complex (ALS/PDC) rose dramatically among the Chamorro people of Guam and then declined, explains Paul Cox of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens, headquartered in Kalaheo, Hawaii (SN: 5/17/03, p.