Researchers at the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have discovered an enzyme which decomposes a certain substance known to trigger Alzheimer's disease.

The CDC on Thursday said that a research team led by Ahn Sang-mi at the CDC's Biomedical Sciences Center found an enzyme called glutamate carboxypeptidase-II (GCPII) that can effectively break down beta Amyloid Peptide.

Beta Amyloid peptide is known as the main component of amyloid plaques that form in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients.

The findings, which will appear in FASEB Journal, are expected to facilitate the development of new cures for dementia.