Research on Alzheimer's disease, from early signs to new therapies. Covers screening tools, brain damage mechanisms, risk factors, sleep, and drug targets.
Taxi and ambulance drivers have lower mortality rates from Alzheimer's disease compared to other occupations, possibly due to enhanced hippocampus activity. The study analyzed death certificates of nearly 9 million people and found a significant reduction in Alzheimer's deaths among these drivers.
A Mass General Brigham study found that taxi and ambulance drivers had lower rates of death from Alzheimer's disease compared to other professions, possibly due to real-time spatial and navigational processing. The study analyzed data from nearly 9 million people across various occupations.
A new study sheds light on how age-related changes affect financial skills, finding that verbal representations and language processing play a crucial role. Individuals with better language skills and higher household income are more likely to excel in financial tasks.
A team of researchers at USC will receive funding to test a novel approach to slowing age-related cognitive decline, targeting the brain's lymphatic system. The grant aims to delay the onset of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease by clearing waste buildup.
A social work graduate has published her research on cognitive decline among refugees, finding that those who have experienced trauma are more likely to suffer from mild cognitive impairment. The study highlights the need for interventions that address these gaps in care and promote healthier aging.
Researchers investigate how perturbed gene expression contributes to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's. Alternative polyadenylation, a mechanism regulating protein production, is being studied for its potential role in the disease.
Researchers found that microglia clear amyloid-β plaques from the brain before plaque formation and may cause more plaques when homeostatic. In contrast, activated microglia help compact plaques in neurons, offering a protective role.
A new portable MRI machine, augmented with machine learning tools, matches conventional MRI in measuring brain characteristics relevant to Alzheimer's disease. The study has the potential to expand neuroimaging in settings with limited MRI access and streamline care for AD patients.
Researchers linked genes to hallmark features like tau tangles and amyloid plaques, as well as other less understood brain changes. The study identified a genetic variant in the APH1B gene directly influencing tau tangle formation, and confirmed the APOE gene's role in granulovacuolar degeneration.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine found a strong association between living in disadvantaged neighborhoods and higher blood pressure and lower cognitive scores. The study analyzed data from over 500 adults aged 55+ and used the Area Deprivation Index to measure neighborhood disadvantage.
Researchers have developed a network-based approach to understand how immune cells called microglia transform and drive harmful processes like neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease. The study identified three unique subtypes of harmful microglia that promote disease progression, with genetic signatures driving their behaviors.
The partnership integrates Answer ALS’s Neuromine Data Portal with the AD Data Initiative's AD Workbench, providing a unified platform for data sharing and analysis. This collaboration enables integrative analysis of ALS and Alzheimer’s data, streamlining efforts and enhancing research impact.
Researchers found that women who had both ovaries surgically removed before age 50 are at high risk of late-life Alzheimer's disease, with a fourfold increase in risk linked to the APOE4 allele. Hormone therapy reduces this risk by half in these women.
Researchers propose a new model for understanding how information is transmitted in the brain by describing a unique axon morphology that changes size and modulates action potential speed
Researchers developed a novel computational pipeline to identify protein biomarkers linked to Alzheimer's risk, offering insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. The pipeline, MR-SPI, can predict 3D structural changes in proteins, providing a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving disease.
A new study reveals that glyphosate exposure in mice can cause lasting brain inflammation and accelerate Alzheimer's disease-like pathology, even after a significant pause from exposure. The herbicide's byproducts have been found to accumulate in brain tissue, raising serious concerns about its safety for human populations.
Researchers uncovered how mutated PSEN2 accelerates disease progression in familial Alzheimer's disease by impairing synaptic function and disrupting cellular processes.
A study found that skeletal muscle loss, particularly in the temporalis muscle, is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease dementia. Participants with smaller temporalis muscle size were more than twice as likely to develop dementia over a median follow-up period of 5.8 years.
Early detection of cognitive impairment helps people prepare for future loss of financial and physical independence. Lifestyle factors like exercise, obesity, and hobbies can increase dementia risk, while regional associations with dementia also play a role.
Researchers have discovered a specific type of body fat linked to abnormal proteins in the brain that are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Higher levels of visceral fat were found to be associated with increased amyloid accumulation and higher PET levels of hallmark pathologic proteins.
Researchers at the Buck Institute found that ketone bodies interact directly with misfolded proteins, altering their solubility and structure to be cleared through autophagy. This discovery suggests a new form of metabolic regulation of protein quality control in the brain, with potential therapeutic applications.
A new study from the University of Liverpool suggests that Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) directly interacts with talin, a synaptic scaffold protein, to maintain mechanical integrity in synapses. Disruptions in this pathway could lead to Alzheimer's disease by causing synaptic degeneration and memory loss.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham developed an algorithm to assess the accuracy of 3D models of Alzheimer's disease, identifying crucial shared pathways and confirming the model's potential for accelerating drug discovery. The study found that a clinical p38 MAPK inhibitor is highly effective at reducing AD pathology in a dish.
A machine learning tool has identified subtle behavioral changes in mice with early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The tool, called VAME, analyzed video footage and pinpointed disorganized behavior that may be associated with memory and attention deficits. Researchers hope to adapt this technology for human diagnosis and treatment.
The report highlights the importance of addressing the rising incidence of cognitive impairment as the population ages, particularly with new treatments for early Alzheimer's disease now available. Developing cognitive care plans, especially for vulnerable populations, is crucial to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers evaluated over 400 patients with suspected Alzheimer's disease and found that CSF analysis was less reliable than PET imaging. The study suggests using amyloid PET scans as the diagnostic method of choice, especially for those with gray area results between 5.5-7.1 in their CSF.
A new study identified inhibiting the brain enzyme S-acyltransferase (zDHHC) through a nasal-spray drug as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's. The approach successfully counteracted cognitive decline and brain damage in animal models, including genetically modified mice.
Researchers at UCL found that excess brain volume loss with amyloid-targeting immunotherapies is associated with therapy effectiveness, not harm. The 'amyloid-removal-related pseudo-atrophy' or ARPA phenomenon suggests that removal of amyloid plaques may be the cause of observed brain changes.
The study found decreased NMDA receptors in synapses and increased extrasynaptic membranes in Alzheimer's patients, suggesting neuronal toxicity-related activity. The novel protocol allows for precise analysis of these receptors in human postmortem brains, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches.
A study found that maternal immune activity during pregnancy affects offspring's long-term memory circuitry and function in childhood and midlife. Elevated levels of IL-6 and TNF-a in mothers were linked to adverse brain activity in memory circuitry, particularly in postmenopausal women.
A Rutgers researcher examines how educational attainment affects cognitive performance, memory function, and dementia risk in later life. The study found increased years of education associated with better overall cognitive performance, including improved memory and verbal fluency.
University Hospitals Brain Health & Memory Center is now treating patients with KISUNLA, a medication approved by the FDA to treat Alzheimer's disease. The treatment has shown promise in clinical trials and may be an option for patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia.
Researchers from École de Technologie Supérieure and Dartmouth University are investigating the use of earpiece microphones to spot early signs of Alzheimer’s. They aim to develop health-monitoring algorithms for hearables capable of continuous, long-term monitoring and early disease detection.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that long-term use of common cardiovascular drugs is associated with a lower risk of dementia. The study, which analyzed data from over 880,000 people, shows that these medications can reduce dementia risk by 4-25%.
A new review highlights the differences in brain aging and Alzheimer's disease between humans and non-human primates, revealing that primate brains are more resistant to aging-related damage. The study suggests that tau tangles play a critical role in Alzheimer's progression, challenging the amyloid cascade hypothesis.
A new Israeli study explores physician attitudes toward emerging anti-amyloid treatments for Alzheimer's disease. Key findings highlight the need for multidisciplinary collaboration to address financial and logistical barriers, emphasizing education, cost-benefit analysis, and improved insurance coverage.
Researchers at Emory University are investigating how specific types of air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By analyzing biological responses to air pollution, they aim to identify potential intervention and prevention strategies.
A new finger prick test for Alzheimer's disease has shown strong performance in a European study, measuring biomarkers in blood from superficial vessels. The test could soon be implemented globally, increasing accessibility to Alzheimer's testing without the need for high-sensitivity analyses.
Mitophagy, a recycling process crucial for cellular health, increases and then declines in midlife brain cells, while lysosomes lose acidity with age. The study highlights the importance of developing new perspectives when studying brain aging in longer-lived species.
Researchers linked disease-related proteins and genes to identify specific cellular pathways responsible for Alzheimer's genesis and progression. The study identified 38 proteins with causal effects in Alzheimer's progression, including 15 potential targets for medicines.
Dr. Natalia Acosta-Baena has identified a novel genetic syndrome that reshapes our understanding of brain disorders and challenges traditional views on neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegeneration. Her research reveals how a single gene involved in neuronal transport can influence both brain development and degeneration.
Researchers have developed a simple model system to break down fibrils into their constituent single units or liquid droplets. This discovery has the potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by targeting pathological fibrils.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that TYK2 transforms tau into a toxic protein contributing to Alzheimer's disease. Partially restraining TYK2 could be a strategy to reduce tau levels and toxicity.
Researchers at Texas A&M University College of Medicine have developed a nasal spray treatment using stem cell-derived vesicles that reduces inflammation and plaque buildup in the brain, delaying Alzheimer's disease progression. The treatment targets microglia cells, which become harmful over time, leading to progressive neuron loss.
Critical Path Institute (C-Path) has announced key leadership appointments: Dr. Diane Stephenson promoted to Vice President of Neurology and Nadine Tatton welcomed as new Executive Director of CPAD Consortium. This move aims to advance neurodegenerative disease research, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Chronic neuroinflammation, driven by activated microglia and astrocytes, is a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. Targeted therapies that modulate microglial and astrocytic activity show promise in mitigating neuroinflammation.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes created a new mouse model to study Alzheimer's disease, transplanting human neurons into mouse brains. The study found that immune cells called microglia cause harmful inflammation and clumps of misfolded proteins when interacting with the APOE4 protein.
Researchers have found that Alzheimer's disease and alcohol use disorder are associated with similar gene expression changes in the brain, including inflammation and disrupted cell signaling. This study may inform future targeted treatments for Alzheimer's and highlight the importance of considering alcohol use as a risk factor.
Researchers will develop a high-resolution PET scanner that can accurately detect amyloid plaques and tau tangles, enabling earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The portable scanner aims to improve accessibility and portability for underserved communities.
The new center will advance multiple areas of active research on campus, including neurocognitive sciences and musculo-skeletal health. With support from across campus, UTA aims to improve research capabilities to enhance undergraduate and graduate educational opportunities.
Researchers have developed a new protocol to exclusively access and quantify proteins carried by extracellular vesicles in the blood. This breakthrough may lead to early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and other brain disorders, providing treatment opportunities before symptoms appear.
A recent revision of Alzheimer Association criteria focuses solely on AD core biomarkers, sparking uncertainty about patient outcomes. The new definition may limit diagnostic flexibility and impact treatment planning.
The International Working Group proposes a new approach to diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, focusing on clinical evaluation supported by biomarkers. This distinction is crucial for identifying those who have the disease and those at risk, paving the way for targeted research and personalized treatments.
A new study led by the University of Michigan suggests that polyphosphate may play a crucial role in neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers discovered that polyphosphate is present in fibrils found in patients' brains, which could help explain their devastating effects.
Researchers found that polypharmacy in older adults with Alzheimer's disease exacerbates symptoms, functional decline, and health outcomes. The study highlights the need for medication optimization strategies to improve quality of life among this vulnerable population.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that targeting the prefrontal cortex with cognitive remediation and transcranial direct current stimulation can effectively slow cognitive decline in older adults at risk of cognitive decline. The treatment was particularly beneficial for those with remitted major depressive disorder and mild ...
Alzheimer's researchers identify specific inhibitors that prevent nerve cell loss and improve social recognition memory in mouse models. The study sheds light on the molecular sequence of events leading to cellular demise and opens up new research avenues for halting or preventing brain damage.
Researchers will use decades-old data from blood and urine tests to measure pesticide and metal levels among participants, then match with MRI scans and cognitive tests to identify potential contributions to dementia risk. The study aims to understand environmental links to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
A new study led by CAMH shows that a combination of therapies can slow cognitive decline in older adults with conditions increasing the risk of dementia. Participants receiving Cognitive Remediation plus transcranial direct current stimulation experienced slower cognitive decline compared to those receiving a control intervention.
Researchers mapped how HSV-1 enters the brain, infects critical regions, and triggers neurological diseases. The virus was found in areas controlling vital functions, such as sleep and movement, and interacted with immune cells that led to chronic inflammation.