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Study examines women, men and brain marker of Alzheimer's disease

A study examining nearly 300 clinically normal adults found that women showed more tau deposits in the brain than men, associated with greater Aβ plaque deposits, supporting potential reasons for differences in AD risk between men and women. The findings may be limited by the study population's age and demographic characteristics.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateFeb 4, 2019

Sleep deprivation accelerates Alzheimer's brain damage

A recent study published in Science has found that sleep deprivation increases levels of the key Alzheimer's protein tau, leading to accelerated brain damage and dementia. In mice and people, researchers discovered that disrupted sleep causes tau tangles to spread through the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 2019

Tau interferes with nuclear transport in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have found that tau protein interferes with the nucleus's ability to communicate with the cell, disrupting the function of the nuclear pore complex. This alteration accelerates tau aggregation and neurofibrillary tangle formation, leading to neural dysfunction and death in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateSep 5, 2018

Tau mutations may increase cancer risk

Researchers discovered that tau protein mutations can increase cancer risk by up to 3.72 times, highlighting a new association between neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. The study's findings suggest that clinicians should monitor patients with tau mutations for their cancer risk, in addition to attending to neurodegeneration.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 24, 2018

Experimental drug interferes with different mechanisms associated to Alzheimer's disease

The compound anle138b was shown to close harmful openings in the membrane of nerve cells and induce conformational changes that modify pore conductivity. Treatment with anle138b normalized brain activity and improved learning ability in mice affected by Alzheimer's disease, regardless of when treatment started.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateDec 19, 2017

Study shows higher levels of Alzheimer's-related tau protein found in children aged 18 years and under with early onset psychosis

Researchers analyzed blood plasma levels of tau protein in patients with early onset psychosis (EOP) aged 18 and under, finding higher levels than controls. The study suggests altered tau protein metabolism in EOP, which may have implications for understanding the pathophysiology and developing new treatment strategies.

The body's 'Transformers'

A study by UCSB scientists examined the unique properties of tau, a critical protein in neurons that can form clumps associated with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that exposing tau to certain chemicals, such as urea, could prevent aggregation, while another compound, TMAO, accelerated it.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2015

Neuroimaging technique identifies concussion-related brain disease in living brain

A new experimental PET tracer effectively diagnoses chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) while patients are still alive. The technology differentiates CTE from other forms of dementia, enabling estimates of prevalence and risk. This breakthrough improves diagnosis and treatment for athletes and others exposed to repeated head trauma.

Worming our way to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have developed a new approach to screening potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease using the C. elegans worm model. The study identified six compounds capable of alleviating tau-induced behavioral abnormalities in the worm model, as well as azaperone treatment, which can decrease abnormal tau accumulation.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 7, 2013

UCLA study first to image concussion-related abnormal brain proteins in retired NFL players

Researchers have developed a new technique to identify abnormal tau proteins associated with repetitive head injuries, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and tracking of brain disorders. The study used PET scans to detect elevated levels of FDDNP in the brains of five retired NFL players.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJan 22, 2013