A new study found that approximately three percent of all bone scan patients have markers of cardiac amyloidosis, which can lead to heart failure and increased mortality. The research highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, as well as potential automated detection methods using machine-learning algorithms.
A study funded by NIH found that people with Down syndrome have a similar level of amyloid plaques in their brains as those with hereditary, early-onset Alzheimer's. This suggests that individuals with both conditions may benefit from participating in studies on Alzheimer's therapies aimed at slowing amyloid plaque formation.
A new laboratory test can measure levels of amyloid beta oligomers in blood samples, detecting toxic proteins up to years before cognitive impairment. The test, SOBA, has shown promising results in identifying individuals at risk or incubating Alzheimer's disease.
A new study published in the journal Nature has identified medin as a key player in Alzheimer's therapies. Medin, a protein that accumulates in the blood vessels of the brain, promotes vascular pathology and cognitive decline. The researchers hope to develop a treatment targeting medin to prevent vascular damage and cognitive decline.
Researchers evaluated the safety and efficacy of NTLA-2001 in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. The results showed significant reductions in circulating TTR protein levels, which were sustained for up to six months after treatment.
Researchers from Osaka University found that serum albumin can prevent the formation of amyloid fibrils in dialysis patients by interfering with β2m protein clumping. Monitoring serum albumin levels may help predict and delay the onset of dialysis-related amyloidosis, a condition also linked to Alzheimer's disease.
A new advanced MRI technique has enabled clinicians to measure the effectiveness of chemotherapy in patients with stiff heart syndrome, improving their prognosis. By accurately measuring amyloid protein deposits in the heart, doctors can better guide treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation can produce prolonged survival in patients with AL amyloidosis. The study developed a predictive score to assess event-free survival, which showed improved safety and effectiveness for selected patients.
Researchers found high levels of an enzyme called HDAC9 in healthy neurons, which decline with age and more drastically with Alzheimer's. The study suggests adjusting the enzyme's level may be a potential treatment for both conditions.
A new study identifies the age-dependent formation of TMEM106B amyloid filaments in human brains, which may not be linked to neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers found these protein structures in older but not younger individuals, suggesting a potential role in aging and other pathologies.
Researchers found that gut microbiome changes can reduce b-amyloid deposits in male mice, indicating a potential target for preventing and treating dementia. Daily fecal matter transplants restored the pre-antibiotic microbiome, suggesting microglia memory plays a role.
Researchers found that genomic screening can identify patients at risk for heart disease due to amyloidosis. The study used data from the MyCode Community Health Initiative and electronic health records to determine how often patients with specific transthyretin variants showed signs of cardiomyopathy.
Researchers at Shinshu University discovered a new type of amyloidosis associated with duodenal neuroendocrine tumors that produce somatostatin. Laser microdissection and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry techniques were used to identify the amyloid formation.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology developed a simple and rapid method to detect amyloid protein in bovine livers using fluorescence fingerprint analysis. This approach allows for quick processing and accurate detection of AA amyloidosis, potentially leading to more efficient diagnostic tools for this disease.
A new study in Nature reveals a subset of astrocytes releasing interleukin-3 (IL-3) to convert killer microglial cells into nurturing and protective ones, potentially warding off Alzheimer's disease. This mechanism may provide a new therapeutic opportunity to combat neurological diseases.
Aducanumab, a monoclonal antibody approved for Alzheimer's disease, has no proven benefits in treating cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), according to doctors. The FDA approval opens the door for off-label use, but experts caution against it due to safety concerns and lack of evidence.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine discovered that charged biopolymers like heparan sulfate and heparin accelerate amyloid aggregation in various organs. This understanding will guide targeted drug design for deadly diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and type-2 diabetes.
Patients with transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 due to multisystem disease overlap and comorbidities. Experts recommend specialized care, social distancing measures, and increased vigilance for ATTR patients developing COVID-19.
Researchers found that supplement N-acetyl-cysteine prevents formation of amyloid proteins, potentially leading to treatments for certain forms of dementia. The study suggests that the supplement could reduce risk of strokes and brain hemorrhages in patients with hereditary cystatin C amyloid angiopathy.
Researchers found that curcumin intake increases ApoA-II and HDL-cholesterol concentrations by activating the PPARα signaling pathway, leading to increased AApoAII amyloid deposition. This discovery provides a novel molecular target for understanding amyloidogenesis and treating metabolic disorders.
Researchers have discovered that isatuximab, a monoclonal antibody approved for multiple myeloma, can effectively treat relapsed refractory AL amyloidosis. The study showed an overall response rate of 77% among patients who received the treatment.
Scientists have developed a new imaging agent using copper isotopes that can effectively detect amyloid-beta protein deposits in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. The copper-based compounds outlast traditional diagnostic agents, making it possible for clinics with PET scanners to diagnose the condition more easily.
A recent study found that racial/ethnic minorities comprise only a small percentage of patients with AL amyloidosis, despite being theoretically at higher risk. Younger age and more severe illness were observed among minority patients, who were also less likely to undergo aggressive treatment with stem cell transplantation.
Researchers found that abnormal amyloid deposits were present in fewer older adults with major depression compared to non-depressed control subjects. However, the study suggests that depression is still a risk factor for cognitive decline, but through a mechanism other than amyloid deposition.
A genetic variation has been identified that may increase the risk of cognitive decline in some individuals, even those without amyloid plaques or tau tangles. The variation affects glutathione metabolism and is associated with thinning of the brain cortex.
Researchers found that Medin protein deposits reduce blood vessel elasticity in aging brains, contributing to vascular dementia. These deposits also cause sluggish vessel expansion, affecting blood flow and oxygen supply.
A new therapeutic approach to treating Alzheimer's disease has been discovered by researchers at the University of Kentucky, using an antibody to target inflammation and promote microglia to clear amyloid deposits in the brain. The study found that this approach leads to reduced amyloid deposition and improved cognition.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have identified vitronectin, a blood protein, as a promising drug target for dry age-related macular degeneration. The study's findings suggest that vitronectin drives the formation of abnormal deposits that cause progressive vision loss.
A newly discovered gene RBFOX1 may drive the first appearance of amyloid plaques in the brain, contributing to Alzheimer's disease. The study found that variants of RBFOX1 increase protein fragments making up amyloid plaques and disrupt critical connections between neurons.
Scientists have developed a high-resolution model of protein strings typical for diabetes, revealing a strong similarity to those found in Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest an increased risk of contracting diabetes in Alzheimer's patients and vice versa.
A new UCL-led study found that repetitive negative thinking is linked to cognitive decline and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The research, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, suggests that psychological tools like mindfulness or meditation may help reduce dementia risk.
A study found that cognition and gait speed often parallel each other in determining a person's health trajectory. Mexican Americans were more likely to experience cognitive and physical vulnerability, which was associated with diabetes and a higher risk of mortality.
A retrospective observational study of ophthalmologists' experiences with familial amyloid polyneuropathies (FAP) reveals the challenges of treating this rare disease, particularly in maintaining eyesight despite liver transplants. The study aims to share knowledge and best practices with other researchers and doctors worldwide.
A new Mayo Clinic study found no link between surgery with general anesthesia and the indicator of Alzheimer's disease. Cortical thinning in cerebral areas was observed, but no significant evidence of amyloid protein deposits, a hallmark of Alzheimer's, was detected.
Researchers identified a mutation responsible for destabilizing light chains, leading to the formation of deadly amyloid fibrils. The study provides new insights into the disease and potential diagnostic methods.
Researchers found daratumumab to be safe and successful in treating patients with relapsed AL amyloidosis, a condition characterized by organ failure. The treatment was well-tolerated and effective when used with appropriate pre- and post-infusion medications.
A rare gene variant, APOE3ch, has been identified as a potential protective factor against Alzheimer's disease. The study, funded by the NIH, reveals that an individual carrying this variant remained dementia-free for nearly three decades beyond expected onset age.
Researchers found that serum flotillin levels significantly decrease in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD compared to non-AD controls. Flotillin levels are also negatively associated with brain amyloid deposition, indicating its potential as a blood biomarker for early AD diagnosis.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have discovered a novel amyloid protein, lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), that induces amyloidosis in rats. This finding is significant as it may provide insights into the development of human amyloidosis and serve as a disease model for studying this condition.
The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology published expert consensus recommendations for multimodality imaging in cardiac amyloidosis, aiming to improve diagnosis and management. The guidelines unify standardized imaging methods, diagnostic criteria, and appropriate utilization across various imaging modalities.
Researchers are conducting a national trial to identify transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) in older minority patients with congestive heart failure. The goal is to use highly sensitive heart imaging and blood tests to diagnose the disease earlier, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences finds that polyphosphate induces the formation of amyloid fibrils from beta-2 microglobulin proteins in dialysis patients. High levels of polyphosphate promote the formation of thicker, more stable amyloid fibrils under normal pH conditions.
A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that renal infarction is associated with acute kidney injury in patients with cardiac amyloidosis. The study revealed a relatively high prevalence of renal infarction among these patients, suggesting it as a potential cause of acute kidney injury in this context.
Scientists at Scripps Research have identified small molecules that prevent structural changes to proteins causing the disease. These molecules bind to and stabilize immunoglobulin light chain proteins, preventing misfolding and forming toxic plaques.
The DFG is funding six new Research Units addressing various pressing research issues. The units will focus on improving the evaluation of whole genome sequences, investigating resilience in religion and spirituality, developing adaptive polymer gels, and understanding cytomegalovirus immune responses.
A new dye has been developed to detect signs of neurodegenerative diseases earlier and with greater precision. The dye can bind to specific amyloid structures in medical samples, allowing for the early detection of brain disease.
Researchers developed a new, BNP-based staging system to predict survival in AL Amyloidosis patients, improving access at hospitals without NT-proBNP testing. The study found the system accurately identified cardiac involvement and separated patients into survival stages.
A study found that daytime sleepiness is associated with an increased risk of brain deposits of beta amyloid, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Participants who reported excessive daytime sleepiness were nearly three times more likely to develop beta-amyloid deposition in their brains years later.
A study found that amyloid beta protein in the brain traps and prevents herpes virus particles, protecting against infection. Chronic herpes infection may accelerate Alzheimer's progression by inducing overproduction of A-beta and causing inflammation.
Researchers identified a unique mutation in a patient with transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis, a progressive condition causing abnormal protein deposits. The study suggests that new drugs targeting different sites on the protein may be effective, offering potential breakthroughs for treatment.
Researchers found that combining two approaches to reduce amyloid-beta improved spatial navigation and memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests similar combination treatments may help patients with Alzheimer's disease in the future.
Researchers found four cases of amyloid beta pathology in brain blood vessels after childhood neurosurgery, sparking concerns over potential transmission of protein pathology. The study's findings were supported by a review of medical literature and suggest that neurosurgical instruments may be responsible.
Research published in the American Thoracic Society's journal found a correlation between sleep apnea severity and an increase in amyloid deposits in the brain, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that treatments for sleep apnea may delay cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults.
Lawreen H. Connors is awarded a $411,459 NIH grant to study wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis, a fatal protein deposition disease affecting millions of older Americans. Her research aims to improve recognition, monitoring, and treatment of the condition.
A study adapts a noninvasive retinal imaging approach to detect and quantify amyloid-β plaques in AD patients and healthy controls, revealing increased deposits in AD patients. This technology has the potential to enable significant advances in early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered how acidic conditions trigger the formation of toxic protein clusters in cells, leading to the death of vital organs. The study may help design new treatments for secondary systemic amyloidosis (AA), a life-threatening disorder that affects millions worldwide.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a modified skin biopsy technique to hasten the diagnosis of transthyretin amyloidosis, a rare and lethal nerve disease. The test, which detects protein clumps in skin samples, shows promise for more rapid clinical trials and improved treatment options.
A new study found that increased amyloid plaque buildup in the brain predicts faster cognitive decline in middle-age adults over four years. The research used PET scans to detect amyloid deposits in 184 healthy middle-age and older adults, revealing a link between higher amyloid amounts and vocabulary decline.
A study by Karolinska Institutet measures how tau deposits spread through the brain over time, revealing individual variations in size and speed of spread. Large amounts of tau can be linked to episodic memory impairment, improving understanding of Alzheimer's disease.
After a head injury, the brain can form new connections between damaged areas, known as hyperconnections. While this adaptation may provide short-term benefits, it can also lead to chronic inefficiencies and strain the brain's resources. Chronic inefficiencies may cascade into serious brain disorders, including Alzheimer's Disease.