Research on Alzheimer's disease, from early signs to new therapies. Covers screening tools, brain damage mechanisms, risk factors, sleep, and drug targets.
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...
A recent study published in Sleep Medicine found that adults with elevated risk of dementia who took at least 5,000 IU of vitamin D daily showed better cognitive function compared to those who didn't. The study also highlighted the significance of timing and the form of vitamin D supplementation.
A new review found that insomnia is associated with a 26% higher risk of stroke and 28% higher odds of hospital admission. The study also linked insomnia to depression, suicidal behaviors, and dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers are using mathematical modeling to examine the influence of common metals on protein aggregation in Alzheimer's disease. A new model developed by Mississippi State University Associate Professor Shantia Yarahmadian successfully reproduced patterns seen in laboratory experiments, providing insights into potential therapies.
A new diagnostic test for Alzheimer's disease is being developed using blood-based diagnostics, which could provide a more accurate prognosis and treatment options. The test, led by Lund University, aims to improve early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Mount Sinai researchers identified how APOE4 damages brain blood vessels, promoting abnormal protein buildup and neurodegeneration. They found that blocking TGF-β signaling restored pericyte coverage, reducing fibrosis and vascular amyloid accumulation.
The Michigan ADRC will support studies on basic science, clinical trials, caregiver interventions, and longitudinal research to advance Alzheimer's disease prevention, treatment, and care. The center aims to fast-track clinical trials and improve the health and well-being of caregivers.
A new study identified dozens of blood proteins that change during treatment with lecanemab, an anti-amyloid drug, which may help monitor treatment effects and predict disease progression. The study found changes in proteins related to inflammation and amyloid clearance, which could inform clinical decision-making and potentially lead ...
A new study by UC Berkeley researchers suggests that hyperreactive astrocytes are a primary driver of childhood epilepsy, particularly in the inherited disorder tuberous sclerosis complex. The findings highlight possible therapies to reduce inflammation and alleviate seizures, challenging the traditional view that neurons are the sole ...
Researchers identified shared and disease-specific molecular changes in human brain tissue, contributing to neurodegeneration, psychiatric illness, and cognitive decline. The collection establishes a foundational resource for understanding brain disorders, accelerating discovery and therapy development.
A comprehensive review of the evidence links ultraprocessed foods to poorer cognitive outcomes and increased risk of dementia. The study highlights the need for further research to determine the causal relationship between these foods and brain health.
A new drug, Kamuvudine K-9, has been shown to preserve nerve fibers and halt neurological damage in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. The drug, derived from HIV drugs, has been found to be more effective than existing treatments in restoring function and reducing inflammation.
A novel research approach, the Law Clinic Study, allows people with dementia to contribute to knowledge, increasing societal understanding and improving future situations. Participants valued being heard and contributing to research, challenging stereotypes that people with dementia are unable to participate.
The Neighborhoods Study, a nationwide NIH-funded research initiative, investigates the relationship between social and environmental factors and Alzheimer's disease risk. Emory Goizueta Brain Health Institute is part of the study, which aims to understand how environmental exposures influence brain health and dementia risk.
Researchers at UC San Diego identified a naturally occurring peptide called catestatin (CST) that reduces toxic protein accumulation, neuroinflammation, and improves cognitive function in mouse models. CST may provide a new peptide-based therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers identify elevated levels of meprin-β in brain and cerebrospinal fluid of people with Alzheimer's disease, particularly in advanced stages. This finding suggests a possible relationship between meprin-β and beta-amyloid accumulation, a hallmark of the disease.
A vaccine that could lower the risk of dementia by half for those at high risk has sparked interest among older adults, with nearly 3 in 4 expressing interest in receiving such a vaccine. The survey results highlight a growing interest in vaccines that may prevent or delay dementia, a major concern for aging populations.
A research team at Sungkyunkwan University has identified a mechanism to restore a disrupted brain immune environment and reduce abnormally elevated neuronal activity in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. Modulating an immune protein in the brain may provide a new therapeutic strategy for the disease.
A study of 3,895 participants found that higher cortisol levels, particularly in Black individuals, were associated with cognitive decline. Cortisol patterns varied by race, with Black participants showing lower overall levels and less change throughout the day.
Researchers found that dementia incidence among Tsimané and Mosetén communities in the Bolivian Amazon was comparable to that in US and northern European populations, but survival rates were significantly shorter. The study suggests that lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and access to medical care, may contribute to the lowe...
The Cleveland Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center will receive funding to accelerate research for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The center aims to understand why dementia progresses at different rates among individuals and across its various forms.
A Korea University study investigated plasma p-tau217 as an early marker of treatment response in early Alzheimer's disease. The study found that patients with greater reductions in p-tau217 levels had more favorable cognitive trajectories.
Scientists at Salk Institute create first microprotein atlas of human frontal cortex with and without Alzheimer's disease, identifying 1,067 new microproteins and a potential link to immune cell dysfunction in Alzheimer's. The atlas provides a system for investigating microproteins in aging and neurodegeneration, bringing scientists cl...
A study published in Nutrients found that an unhealthy Western-style diet is associated with faster cognitive decline in people with a genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease. Among those carrying the APOE ε4 allele, greater adherence to a Western dietary pattern was linked to a faster decline in attention over time. The study suggests tha...
Researchers identified a way to predict Alzheimer’s symptoms years before onset by combining a blood test and genetic test. Combining p-tau217 and APOE gene tests can predict symptom onset in people at high risk, with those having the APOE4 gene likely to develop symptoms in 3-4 years.
A nasal spray containing vesicles naturally released by cells may work against Alzheimer's, reaching the brain and counteracting neuroinflammation, protecting neuronal function and preserving memory. The treatment improves cognitive abilities by increasing proteins linked to neuronal plasticity and enhancing synaptic transmission.
A new study found that a rare mutation in the fibronectin gene limits the accumulation of fibronectin in the blood-brain barrier, protecting against Alzheimer's disease. High levels of fibronectin were associated with vascular damage, inflammation, and disrupted communication between astrocytes and blood vessel cells.
Researchers at USC developed an algorithmic tool to improve screening of patients for Alzheimer's clinical trials, reducing unnecessary PET scans by over half. The tool uses blood plasma biomarkers to identify patients at risk of Alzheimer's disease, enabling faster and more efficient recruitment for trials like AHEAD 3-45.
Researchers at MIT found that short bursts of pink noise during sleep can increase the amplitude of slow electrical waves and CSF flow, leading to more restorative sleep. This technology may also help clear brain waste and potentially improve cognitive function, particularly in people with insomnia and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have created an animal model that helps resolve questions about the relationship between HIV and Alzheimer's disease, highlighting specific pathways that drive brain damage and inflammation. The study suggests that antiretroviral therapy may be used to treat both diseases.
Researchers discovered that immune cells contributing to neurodegeneration originate in the lymph nodes outside the brain, and blocking these instructions can mitigate neurodegeneration. The study suggests a new pathway to halt or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and other primary tauopathies.
The Starr Healthspan Innovation Alliance will bridge the gap between scientific discovery and life-changing treatments for age-related diseases. The partnership will expand clinical trials and support groundbreaking laboratory research to extend healthy lifespan.
Researchers at Drexel University's College of Medicine found a 58% greater risk of cognitive impairment or dementia in patients with voice disorders, compared to those without. Voice disorders may be an early sign of cognitive decline, challenging the traditional focus on hearing loss as the primary risk factor.
A community-adapted brain health program in Kikuyo Town, Japan, has achieved significant improvements in attention scores and dietary balance among older adults. The 24-week program, combining aerobic exercise, cognitive exercises, and lifestyle guidance, resulted in high attendance rates and positive feedback.
A new study challenges decades-old assumptions about Alzheimer's disease pathology by identifying tau proteins' birthplace in dendrites. The research proposes that misfolded tau proteins are created locally in dendrites and eliminated by the neuroproteasome, shedding light on the early stages of tau pathology.
Mara Mather's research focuses on the interplay between brain, body, and emotions, exploring how changes in the autonomic nervous system affect brain health across the lifespan. Her work aims to understand the consequences of physiological changes on brain health and develop interventions to promote emotional well-being.
Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute discovered a link between wildfire smoke and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Wildfire smoke particles activate astrocytes, leading to inflammation and damage to nearby brain cells.
Researchers found that aerobic exercise significantly improves executive functions, including planning, task-switching, and focus, in post-menopausal women. Regular exercise can help preserve cognitive health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, with benefits observed as early as three months into the program.
A new multi-ancestry polygenic risk score (PRS) for Alzheimer's disease (AD) outperforms previous models, especially in genetically diverse groups. The PRS was associated with cognitive decline, memory performance, and brain imaging traits, providing a more accurate prediction of AD risk.
A large UK study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may reduce the risk of dementia, particularly for women who have undergone surgical menopause. The study, which followed over 180,000 postmenopausal women, found that HRT was associated with a 16% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to non-users.
A study finds that dementia with Lewy bodies preferentially affects certain brain regions, including those with genes linked to mitochondrial function and synapses. These regions show distinctive patterns of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA receptors, suggesting a potential target for new treatments.
Researchers develop a polymer nanogel system called Nano-ERASER that uses antibodies to degrade targeted proteins, inducing neuron regeneration and restoring neural circuits in human brain organoids and mice with Alzheimer's disease. The study provides a critical step in regenerative neuroscience, offering a roadmap for a potential cure.
Research identifies aberrant ERBB4 expression in excitatory neurons as an early driver of Alzheimer's disease pathologies, including neuronal hyperactivity, synapse loss, and cognitive decline. Manipulating ERBB4 expression in mouse models reveals its role in driving disease features, including reactive gliosis and amyloid buildup.
Researchers found a pattern of brain atrophy visible on MRI that can predict disease progression in people with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. This discovery could help clinicians identify patients likely to have a slower or faster disease course, supporting treatment and care planning.
Researchers from the University of Osaka found that a protein associated with amyloidogenic light chain disease forms amyloid in areas of constrained geometry when subjected to shear stress. This study, published in FEBS Journal, suggests that mechanical pressure and chemical inhibitors may help dissolve amyloids.
A new study suggests that specific brain waves during sleep provide protection against the cognitive decline associated with elevated levels of the neurotransmitter orexin. Individuals with stronger sleep spindles and sleep oscillations during nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep had less cognitive decline over time.
Research reveals that increased tau protein levels during aging may contribute to the rise of depressive symptoms. The study, published in JNeurosci, suggests that monitoring depressive trajectories in aging populations could complement other measures to help assess risk for neurodegenerative disease.
Researchers suggest that targeting tiny protein aggregates known as oligomers, which form early in the disease process, may lead to breakthroughs in treating protein-misfolding diseases. Oligomers are increasingly believed to drive cellular damage, and their early formation may be more toxic than large protein deposits.
The FDA has cleared the PrecivityAD2 blood test, developed by C2N Diagnostics, to aid in the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The test uses high-resolution mass spectrometry to measure biomarkers associated with amyloid pathology, providing more accurate and reliable results than cerebrospinal fluid tests.
A Stanford Medicine study found that estrogen-only menopausal hormone therapy may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease in women. The study, which analyzed brain autopsies and cerebrospinal fluid samples, found a 35% reduction in Alzheimer's-related pathological deposits in women who used estrogen-only MHT.
Salk Institute researchers found microglia's novel way to contribute to ALS progression and death, using TAM receptors to find and kill motor neurons in spinal cords of mice with ALS. The study suggests a new target for therapy innovation, but notes the complexity of variables involved.
A new app, WeCareAdvisor, has shown promise in improving the quality of life for dementia caregivers by providing a systematic approach to manage behavioral symptoms. Caregivers who used the app reported significant reductions in distress and behavioral symptoms, as well as improved well-being.
Researchers review evidence on potential transmission of amyloid-beta and CAA through blood transfusions, citing a 2023 study that found recipients of contaminated blood had a higher risk of brain bleeds. The authors argue for additional safety measures, citing a cautionary tale from the Infected Blood Inquiry.
Researchers discovered HSV-1 rapidly rewires cellular metabolism, boosting energy production in infected neurons, but also leading to signs of stress, impaired mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress. The study suggests lactate may help neurons adapt to viral infection, but this adaptation may come at a cost.
Researchers found that healthier superficial white matter is associated with stronger language skills, and that gray matter atrophy measures remain the strongest predictors of cognition. However, the relationship between gray matter and cognitive performance depends on superficial white matter health.
New research suggests that leisure-time exercise, such as walking or sports, is associated with a lower risk of dementia, while physically demanding jobs may increase dementia risk. The study analyzed data from over 4.2 million people and found that household physical activity also appeared beneficial.
Researchers identified TIMP2 as a key factor supporting healthy microglial function in the aging brain. Restoring TIMP2 in aged mice improved microglia's ability to clear debris and reduced inflammation, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders.
According to a national survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, most U.S. adults believe brain health habits should begin before age 40. Regular exercise, quality sleep, healthy eating, and strong social connections can help support long-term brain health.
A study from Karolinska Institutet found that people treated with modern NOAC blood-thinning medicines experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those receiving warfarin or no anticoagulant treatment. This was associated with lower risk of other health problems, including death, stroke, and fractures.
A study published in Neurology found that estrogen-only hormone therapy was associated with a lower risk of developing dementia in women. Researchers analyzed data from over 21,000 female participants and found that those who took hormone therapy had fewer signs of Alzheimer's disease in their brains at autopsy.