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Repairing a 'bad' reputation?

A team of scientists found that the p75 receptor molecule has a neuroprotective effect on the sympathetic nervous system in mice with Alzheimer's disease, challenging the prevailing view of its harmful role. The study suggests that p75 could be a target for new protocols to manage dementia and memory loss.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2009

Penn Medicine pathologists pioneer biomarker test to diagnose or rule out Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Penn Medicine have developed a biomarker test that can confirm or rule out Alzheimer's disease by measuring cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of amyloid beta42 peptide and tau protein. The test accurately predicted the conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease in 81.8% of cases.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 16, 2009

NYU Langone Medical Center's tip sheet to the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease 2008

Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center presented several key findings on Alzheimer's disease risk factors, including a study that identified signs of brain pathology in healthy individuals. They also reported promising results from couples counseling and antibody tests against common mouth bacteria linked to Alzheimer's disease. The...

Anti-inflammatory drug blocks brain plaques

The study demonstrates that CNI-1493 protects nerve cells against amyloid beta-induced damage in culture and improves memory and cognitive function in mice prone to developing an Alzheimer's-like disease. The drug may provide a faster and more effective treatment for Alzheimer's, offering a promising alternative to current therapies.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 23, 2008

Gene variation linked to earlier onset of Alzheimer's symptoms

Researchers identified a genetic variation associated with an earlier age of onset in Alzheimer's disease, which affects the brain's tau protein levels. The study suggests that these variations lead to higher tau levels in cerebrospinal fluid and earlier cognitive problems once amyloid plaques form.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2008

Protein fibrils as alternative plastics?

Amyloid fibrils, bundles of ordered protein filaments, display remarkable mechanical properties and have potential as nanomaterials. They can be tailored and biocompatible, making them suitable for surfaces in medical technology and drug delivery systems.

SourceWiley·DateMay 28, 2008

Salk study links diabetes and Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the Salk Institute identified a probable molecular basis for the interaction between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that damaged blood vessels in the brain of young diabetic mice suffered from significant memory loss and inflammation before any overt signs of Alzheimer's disease appeared.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateApr 30, 2008

Milan Fiala, M.D., receives 2008 Alzheimer Award

Dr. Milan Fiala has received the 2008 Alzheimer Award for his work on phagocytosis of amyloid-beta and inflammation in Alzheimer's disease. His research suggests that the immune system's failure to clear waste products from the brain is a key contributor to the disease.