New research from UCLA suggests that novelty plays a role in binding scent to experience, especially as we age. Older adults who encountered the scent during the first learning phase performed better than those who encountered it during the second. The findings suggest that scent may be a more effective tool for supporting memory when ...
Researchers chart nearly 25.5 million individual brain cells to create a 3D atlas of the basal ganglia, which plays a key role in movement, habit, and reward. The study reveals that glia change with age more than neurons, and inflammation-associated immune cells increase in many regions.
Gladstone researchers create atlas of proteins transported across blood-brain barrier, revealing its role in delivering beneficial proteins to brain cells. The study suggests that increasing supply of protective proteins like APOA1 can counter signs of Alzheimer's disease, offering new potential treatment strategies.
Researchers at OHSU discovered a link between the Christchurch mutation of the APOE gene and protection against Parkinson's disease. The study suggests a new avenue for gene therapy to treat Parkinson's, potentially preventing cognitive and motor impairments.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 40 studies found that people with type 2 diabetes are 53% more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. The review estimated that 4.7 out of 1000 people with type 2 diabetes will develop Alzheimer's in a year.
A new study reveals that the CASS4 gene plays a crucial role in Alzheimer's disease by directing brain-cleaning immune cells, which can be disrupted leading to the buildup of toxic plaques. This discovery offers new hope for the development of treatments or prevention strategies by targeting the gene or microglia in the brain.
A novel anti-Alzheimer's drug discovery strategy was established using an LPS-induced neuroinflammatory cell model. Benzoylaconitine (BAC) was identified as the most effective anti-Alzheimer's candidate compound, showing anti-inflammatory effects and modulating the cholinergic signaling pathway. In vivo validation in 5xFAD mice demonst...
The Healthy Aging and Senile Dementia program, one of the longest-running longitudinal studies of Alzheimer’s disease, has been renewed with a $32 million NIH grant to focus on prevention and treatment. The study aims to enroll a wider range of participants and explore racial differences in Alzheimer’s biomarkers.
A recent study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that local radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians can reliably interpret amyloid PET scans with high agreement, showing that visual reads performed in community settings are highly reliable for diagnosing and managing Alzheimer's disease. The study utilized data fr...
Monique Balthazar's $1M NIH grant will investigate how sleep, biological factors, and neighborhood conditions relate to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease risk. She will examine lipid metabolism and inflammation, particularly specialized pro-resolving mediators, in the Einstein Aging Study.
A recent study published in Genomic Psychiatry analyzed the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and found that people with frequent anxiety scored lower on a standard test of global cognition. The authors suggest that a single serotonin receptor may be responsible for both worry and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at George Mason University found that Chinese-American dementia caregivers saw a 96% increase in positive caregiving experiences after taking part in a 7-week digital support program. The study also found that scores remained higher than baseline even after 12 months, suggesting a long-lasting impact on caregivers.
Patients with early-onset Alzheimer's disease have more extensive deposits of tau, a hallmark protein of the condition, compared to late-onset patients. The study found that tau accumulates at more than twice the rate in younger compared to older patients and spreads widely throughout the brain.
Researchers at the University of Oulu developed a treatment that enhances brain clearance, increasing the removal of harmful proteins. This breakthrough may lead to the early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that PSD-95 levels were elevated in mice with MEF2C haploinsufficiency, leading to cognitive impairments and seizures. Targeting PSD-95 may be effective in reducing seizures and rescuing cognitive abilities in those with MEF2C haploinsufficiency or other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers developed a scoring system to predict cognitive decline in older adults based on brain activity patterns. The system, known as the Alzheimer's resilience-vulnerability connectome, showed promise in distinguishing super agers from those with Alzheimer's disease with high accuracy.
A research team identified a signaling pathway involving AQP4, TRPA1, BEST1, and D-serine that helps maintain neuronal activity and cerebral blood-volume responses during prolonged sensory stimulation. Astrocytes release D-serine, which supports neuronal activity and contributes to dilation of brain blood vessels.
Researchers found that the 1972 British compulsory-schooling reform increased the minimum school-leaving age from 15 to 16 reduced diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias decades later. Additionally, the study uncovered that education may be particularly protective for those at greatest inherited risk, challenging the id...
Researchers at KAIST have developed an implantable neural chip that integrates neurotransmitter sensing, light stimulation, and wireless monitoring. The chip was tested in miniature pigs and showed an increase in neurotransmitter signal following drug administration, followed by a gradual return to baseline.
Researchers propose targeting G protein-coupled receptors to slow aging, exploring AI, systems biology, and digital twins for therapy design. The approach could work alongside senolytic, metabolic, and regenerative strategies.
A Keck School of Medicine of USC research study found that an experimental drug called cinaciguat reverses the effects of aging in the liver, potentially lowering the risk of Alzheimer's disease and heart disease. The treatment also normalizes amyloid beta and LDL levels, which are associated with Alzheimer's and atherosclerosis.
Researchers propose novel therapies to rebalance GPCR signaling, potentially extending healthy years of life and delaying multiple age-related diseases. This network-level approach could give rise to personalized treatments and complement emerging longevity strategies.
Researchers developed CANID, a 40-minute assessment measuring memory and behavioral flexibility to detect subtle cognitive impairment in dogs. The study confirmed that small breeds like Chihuahuas are more likely to experience decline, and may inform preventative and therapeutic strategies for pet owners.
A Lehigh-led team is developing an AI platform called UniBrain to simplify brain imaging analysis, reducing the time and expertise required. The platform aims to unify image preprocessing and downstream brain network analysis, integrating information from multiple imaging modalities.
The University of California, San Francisco has been awarded $5M in federal funding to launch a national center to improve dementia detection and management. The center will translate evidence-based approaches into practical tools, training, and technical assistance to bridge the gap between research and practice.
Researchers from UC San Diego will join a national effort to accelerate the search for treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. The platform trial will test multiple combinations of natural products, repurposed FDA-approved drugs, and other potential therapies simultaneously using blood-based biomarkers.
Researchers developed a peptide to block Alzheimer's growth and discovered its presence in human blood, correlating with disease status. The peptide, HAEE, may be a useful biomarker for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease and could also have therapeutic potential.
Duke University has launched a national hub to advance trustworthy AI for aging and dementia care, receiving $25 million in funding. The initiative aims to move promising AI from research prototypes into real-world solutions for older adults and people living with dementia.
Researchers investigated the association between Alzheimer-related changes and disease progression in ALS, finding that coexisting changes may affect prognosis. The study suggests that biomarkers like amyloid beta and NfL could improve diagnosis and prognosis, and may contribute to better patient stratification and more efficient clini...
Researchers discovered how HSV-1 changes the brain's immune cells response to infection, potentially triggering chronic inflammation and Alzheimer's disease. The virus activates powerful antiviral defenses in microglia, which may compromise their ability to maintain a healthy brain.
A 16-year study found that older adults with greenery within 100 meters of their homes have a 20% lower risk of developing dementia. The study highlights the importance of preserving and enhancing greenspace in urban environments to support brain health and healthy ageing.
Researchers used optical imaging to study changes in brain cells' metabolism and oxygen use in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. The study found altered mitochondrial metabolic activity and lower oxygen levels in the Alzheimer's model, indicating greater oxygen consumption.
Scientists discovered a brain-protective molecule, Pla2g2f, that preserves memory during aging and may help delay or prevent Alzheimer's disease. Increasing Pla2g2f levels in the aging brain could potentially improve cognitive resilience and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
Researchers discovered the APOE4 gene variant suppresses Wnt signaling, a key molecular pathway for oligodendrocyte function. The team demonstrates an intervention, GSK3b inhibition, to restore Wnt signaling and myelination, showing potential for preventing Alzheimer's disease.
A team of researchers from IBEC identified a synthetic peptide, P33, that reduces amyloid beta production in cultured neurons and mice with Alzheimer's disease. The study found that P33 selectively slows down BACE1 activity without damaging cells.
Elke Deuerling's research project investigates whether age-related changes in protein synthesis contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. By targeting the process of protein synthesis, her team aims to prevent the formation of toxic proteins that can lead to disease progression.
Researchers have developed a new method to deliver disease-fighting antibodies directly to the brain, using extracellular vesicles to bypass the blood-brain barrier. This approach shows potential in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS, by improving the elimination of pathological proteins.
In a breakthrough, scientists discovered that Alzheimer's disease disrupts the brain's pacemaker cells, causing gamma oscillations to falter. By boosting levels of a specific protein, researchers were able to restore normal brain rhythms and improve cognitive function, offering a promising therapeutic target for the disease.
A new study found significant disparities in access to anti-amyloid Alzheimer's treatments, with Black adults and Hispanic adults having lower odds of receiving the medication. However, once treatment began, patients were equally likely to take the medication as prescribed, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
Upstate Medical University has been awarded $1.5 million to create an advanced research center for brain diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and stroke, as part of the SUNY Brain Institute. The center will integrate biospecimens, induced pluripotent stem cells, and organoid models to support human-centered neuroscience research.
Women with PMOS/PCOS may be at higher risk for Alzheimer's disease and dementia due to metabolic comorbidities like insulin resistance and obesity. The condition's impact on brain health and memory could be related to common health issues that often occur alongside PMOS.
Juvmo, a Parkinson's disease drug, has been approved by the FDA and offers a new treatment option for patients, potentially reducing side effects. The drug's unique mechanism of action provides relief from motor symptoms, and its approval marks a significant milestone in the research of UVA Health scientists.
Oregon Health & Science University researchers are investigating the connection between gut damage and neuroinflammation in people with HIV. The $5.8 million study aims to develop new treatments to preserve brain function in people with HIV and older adults.
A large global study of 15,612 adults found that blood biomarker levels varied across racial and ethnic groups, but the relationship between biomarker levels and brain amyloid was generally consistent. The study's findings support the use of blood-based biomarkers to screen for elevated brain amyloid in preclinical Alzheimer's disease ...
Researchers found that people with a higher genetic risk for Alzheimer’s who volunteered or helped others showed slower cognitive decline. The study, which analyzed 22 years of data, found that even modest amounts of helping others provided significant cognitive benefits.
A study by CU Anschutz researchers has found a possible link between the APOE4 gene, fat in the brain, and inflammation, which may help explain how genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease affect the brain. The study suggests that the ApoE protein can change how brain immune cells handle fat and trigger inflammation.
A multidisciplinary care model developed across Sutter Health helped general neurologists address the challenge of safely offering new Alzheimer's treatments to more patients. The model, which includes specialist oversight and real-world safety outcomes, has shown promising results in expanding access to these therapies.
A new research effort will use AI, large-scale experiments, and human-cell studies to predict harmful protein changes before neurodegenerative disease takes hold. The project, led by Stowers Institute scientist Randal Halfmann, will generate data on protein aggregation and train AI to identify proteins likely to go wrong.
People with early-onset Alzheimer's disease experience a growing range of health problems, particularly depression, dizziness, and headaches, years before diagnosis. Identifiable changes in health conditions emerge mainly closer to disease onset, suggesting different mechanisms underlying early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
The 2026 Friends of BrainHealth research awards support innovative projects in brain health and dementia prevention, including early detection and metabolic health. The awards position Center for BrainHealth researchers to compete for multimillion-dollar state grants and accelerate broad-scale translational research.
A new study from the Bogalusa Heart Study has found a significant association between cumulative clinical obesity and white matter changes in the brain by midlife. Researchers analyzed data from 190 participants and found that those with greater exposure to clinical obesity had worse brain health in midlife.
Researchers have found that levels of beta-synuclein, a protein related to synaptic function, begin to rise in people with Down syndrome from the third decade of life, decades before symptoms appear. This finding positions beta-synuclein as a promising marker of the earliest synaptic changes associated with Alzheimer's disease.
New treatments targeting amyloid plaques in the brain show promise in slowing disease progression, with estimated lifetime benefits of $104,900 per person for those treated during the clinical trial. Starting treatment two years earlier can increase gains across all measures and raises the lifetime value by 32% to $138,300.
Nuclear medicine is experiencing rapid growth with over 50 million procedures performed worldwide each year. EANM'26 will present the latest advances in nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and radiopharmaceuticals, including theranostics and next-generation imaging technology.
A 16-week study found that daily peanut consumption beneficially affected brain insulin responsiveness in older adults, particularly in regions involved in memory. This may contribute to cognitive benefits and support brain health.
Tau filaments from Alzheimer's disease and vacuolar tauopathy exhibit distinct structural properties, influenced by polyubiquitin post-translational modifications. Shifting polyubiquitin alters filament structures, revealing new insights into tau filament formation and stabilization.
A new study finds that individuals with dementia who are overweight or obese tend to live longer than those in a normal weight range. The researchers suggest that nutrition may play a key role in the health and survival of people with dementia, pointing to potential benefits of excess weight in this context.
Researchers demonstrate prion-like transmission of tau in mice, replicating disease-specific pathologies. The study shows that tau filaments from Alzheimer's and corticobasal degeneration patients induce endogenous tau pathologies with identical structures, confirming the prion-like transmission of tau.
A new study from Lund University reveals that Alzheimer's disease changes brain communication in distinct patterns from normal aging, with early alterations detectable before cognitive symptoms emerge. The study analyzed brain imaging from over 1,000 people, showing that connectivity patterns between brain regions change in coordinated...
In a mouse study, researchers found that blocking the immune response to tau protein can prevent brain cell death in Alzheimer's disease. By injecting an antibody that blocks CXCR3, they reduced T cell infiltration into the brain, preserving more brain tissue and reducing nerve cell damage. This approach offers a new strategy for treat...