Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Subtle cognitive decline precedes end to driving for older adults

A new study found that subtle cognitive changes can foreshadow the decision for many seniors to stop driving. Routine cognitive testing may help older adults and their physicians make decisions about driving to maximize safety while preserving independence. Women are more likely to stop driving than men, according to the findings.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 22, 2024

Insights into functions of micronutrient transporters may pave way for new treatments for neurological diseases

Scientists have discovered the transporters responsible for delivering essential nutrients choline and ethanolamine to human cells. The study sheds light on the atomic structure of these transporters and their role in distributing micronutrients throughout the body, providing a foundation for new therapeutic approaches.

Study explores role of epigenetics, environment in differing Alzheimer’s risk between Black and white communities

A study from North Carolina State University found that environmentally caused alterations in the genome may contribute to Alzheimer's disease risk, particularly in Black people. The research identified stable epigenetic features that distinguish Alzheimer's brains from those without the disease.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalClinical Epigenetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2024

USC study reveals racial disparities in diagnosis and drug use for dementia symptoms

White and Hispanic people are most likely to be diagnosed with behavioral symptoms of dementia, but also receive potentially harmful drugs. The study found substantial racial disparities in dementia diagnosis and treatment, with non-white patients being underdiagnosed for treatable symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2024

‘Mathematical microscope’ reveals novel, energy-efficient mechanism of working memory that works even during sleep

Researchers at UCLA Health discovered a novel, energy-efficient mechanism of working memory that reduces metabolic cost even during sleep. The discovery is published in Nature Communications and may provide an early diagnostic for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 8, 2024

Diabetes in youth may increase risk for neurodegenerative disease, like Alzheimer’s disease later in life

A recent CU Anschutz study found that young people with youth-onset diabetes have a higher risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The study discovered specific blood biomarkers and elevated amyloid protein accumulation in the brains of participants, indicating an early onset AD risk trajectory.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalEndocrines·TypeObservational study·DateMay 8, 2024

Study reveals APOE4 gene duplication as a new genetic form of Alzheimer's disease

A study published in Nature Medicine reveals that individuals with two copies of the APOE4 gene develop signs of Alzheimer's disease, with over 95% showing biological characteristics at age 65. The findings suggest a new genetic form of Alzheimer's disease, potentially leading to personalized prevention and treatment strategies.

SourceInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau (Sant Pau Research Institute)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 6, 2024

Organ transplant drug may slow Alzheimer’s disease progression in individuals with seizures

A study found that an organ transplant drug, rapamycin, can regulate over-excited neurons and preserve cognitive function in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and seizures. The research suggests that seizures may accelerate AD progression and that targeting neuron excitability could slow the disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2024

Alzheimer’s drug development pipeline: Positive results, new insight on biomarkers position 2024 as ‘learning year’

The Alzheimer's disease treatment landscape is experiencing a significant shift, with numerous potential drugs making their way through clinical trials. Biomarkers have also emerged as a key area of focus, providing valuable information on the drug's impact and allowing for more precise guidance in future trials.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 24, 2024

Cleveland clinic researchers use AI to improve Alzheimer’s treatment through the ‘gut-brain axis’

Researchers used machine learning to analyze over 1.09 million potential metabolite-receptor pairs and predict the likelihood that each interaction contributed to Alzheimer's disease. The study found a protective metabolite called agmatine interacting with a receptor called CA3R in brain cells, reducing CA3R levels and lowering phospho...

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 22, 2024

A new therapeutic target for traumatic brain injury

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have identified a blood coagulation protein, fibrin, as the culprit behind toxic inflammation and neuron loss after a major head injury. This finding can inform new treatment strategies for traumatic brain injuries, which often lead to dementia, depression, and difficulty concentrating.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2024

Protecting brain cells with cannabinol

Scientists at Salk Institute explore the clinical potential of cannabinol (CBN) in treating traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. They identify four CBN analogs with improved neuroprotective ability and drug-like efficacy.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalRedox Biology·DateApr 17, 2024

USC study links lack of diversity in Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials to differences in amyloid levels

Researchers found that individuals from certain racial and ethnic groups are less likely to be eligible for Alzheimer's disease clinical trials due to lower amyloid levels at early stages of the disease. Amyloid buildup in the brain varies across different populations, contributing to underrepresentation in clinical trials.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 17, 2024

Moments of clarity in the fog of dementia

A recent Mayo Clinic study investigated lucid episodes in people living with later stages of dementia, revealing that 75% were reported to have Alzheimer's Disease. The researchers identified distinct patterns or types of lucid episodes, suggesting they may be related to the level of cognition and circumstances surrounding the episode....

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAlzheimer’s & Dementia·DateApr 11, 2024

Study suggests racial discrimination during midlife associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathology later in life

A new study found a link between midlife racial discrimination and increased levels of Alzheimer's disease markers, including phosphorylated tau181 and neurofilament light, in older age. Researchers analyzed data from 255 Black Americans over 17 years, revealing that chronic stress from racism contributed to dementia risk.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateApr 10, 2024

Cognitive decline may be detected using network analysis, according to Concordia researchers

Concordia researchers use network analysis to study cognitive decline, identifying key variables that predict subtle changes in brain function. Executive function and processing speed are found to be strongly influential, with age affecting cognition differently for those with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCortex·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 9, 2024

Tiny brain bubbles carry complete codes

Scientists discovered that tiny brain bubbles called small extracellular vesicles carry more complete instructions for altering cellular function than previously thought. Researchers found nearly 80% of identified mRNAs were full-length, allowing them to be transcribed by recipient cells into viable proteins.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

Organoids reveal how to protect the brain against dementia and ALS following traumatic injury, according to USC Stem Cell study

A traumatic brain injury quadruples the risk of developing dementia and neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. USC scientists used lab-grown human brain structures called organoids to study TBI's effects. They identified a gene, KCNJ2, that helps protect nerve cells against injury.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2024

New insights into cholesterol dynamics shed light on neurodegenerative disease

A study published in PNAS reveals the structure of a protein linked to neurodegenerative disease Niemann-Pick type C, which accumulates cholesterol within cellular compartments. The research sheds light on the complex mechanism of cholesterol distribution and its role in maintaining optimal levels.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

Stressful events in midlife might be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in older ages

A recent study published in Annals of Neurology suggests that midlife stressful events may be a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease in older ages. Researchers found associations between stress and higher levels of beta-amyloid protein, neuroinflammation, and brain atrophy, particularly in men.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalAnnals of Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 2, 2024

High-resolution images reveal similarities in protein structures between Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome

A new study found similarities in protein structures of Aβ and tau filaments between individuals with Alzheimer's disease and those with both conditions. This knowledge is crucial for understanding Alzheimer's disease in people with Down syndrome and assessing clinical trial inclusion.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 29, 2024