Human Brain (IMAGE) Duke University Caption Alzheimer's disease causes neurons in the brain to stop working, lose connections with other neurons and die. Duke University researchers have identified a molecular mechanism that may be responsible for setting the damage in motion. Credit Photo by Duke Photo. Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.