A study published in Alzheimer's Research & Therapy suggests a possible association between chronic stress and an increased risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. The research, conducted on 44,447 individuals between 18-65 years old, found that those with chronic stress or depression had a higher risk of d...
A new tau PET radiotracer, 18F-SNFT-1, demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity in identifying Alzheimer's disease. This improved tracer enables earlier diagnosis and potential therapeutic interventions.
Researchers analyzed over 2 million cells from 400 postmortem brain samples to identify cellular pathways that could become new drug targets for Alzheimer's treatments. They found impairments in mitochondrial function, synaptic signaling, and protein complexes, as well as disrupted lipid metabolism.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered that a tiny chemical modification on mRNAs, known as m6A, is key to the formation of stress granules during cell stress. Longer mRNAs dominate stress granules because they have high levels of m6A, which triggers their sequestration.
Researchers identified key proteins regulating cholesterol distribution within cells, including OSBP1, ORP92, and GRAMD1s. This discovery sheds light on the critical mechanisms underlying cellular cholesterol distribution, offering insights into various health conditions.
A special supplement presents insights on neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, affecting 55 million people worldwide. Researchers explore novel molecular pathways and therapeutic approaches, such as acupuncture therapy, to alleviate the burden of brain disorders.
A new study suggests that hot flashes experienced during sleep may be an early indicator of women at higher risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study, which involved nearly 250 midlife women, found a greater number of sleep hot flashes to be associated with an increased likelihood of Alzheimer's.
An international team has decoded the TSPO protein to visualize neuroinflammation, revealing its relationship with microglial cells. The study's findings pave the way for optimizing observation of neuroinflammatory processes and re-reading previous studies.
Researchers identified potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease and other conditions using a new approach combining AI-driven target identification with protein phase separation analysis. The study provides insights into the role of protein phase separation in human disease and its potential as a therapeutic target.
Scientists have identified thousands of non-coding genetic variants linked to Alzheimer's disease, focusing on their impact on microglial gene expression and function. The study found that turning off specific regions can affect multiple genes, highlighting the complex mechanisms underlying AD.
Scientists have identified a long non-coding RNA called SNHG8 that plays a crucial role in the development of toxic protein tangles in brain diseases like Alzheimer's. Replacing this RNA can prevent stress granule formation, which contributes to tau aggregation and brain damage.
Researchers propose that cerebrospinal fluid leaks could contribute to the link between traumatic brain injury and dementia. The hypothesis suggests that treating these leaks could mitigate dementia symptoms in some patients with a history of TBI. Further research is needed to confirm this potential association.
Researchers developed a non-invasive blood test using nanotechnology and AI to detect early neurodegeneration signs of Alzheimer's disease. The test could be done by GPs, providing near real-time results for patients, potentially improving health outcomes.
A new three-year grant will provide specialized dementia services and supports to underserved communities in Broward County. The project aims to improve quality of life for individuals living with or at risk of Alzheimer's disease, as well as their family caregivers.
Researchers identified a link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and Alzheimer's disease-like cognitive symptoms, triggered by Tau protein hyperphosphorylation. The study found increased Tau levels in infected cells, indicating pathological alterations to the protein.
A UCSF telecare program improves outcomes for patients with dementia and lightens the load on caregivers. The average monthly Medicare cost per patient was $526 lower for those in the Care Ecosystem compared to usual care.
Repeated traumatic brain injury contributes to Alzheimer's disease by promoting de novo tau pathogenesis and facilitating pathological tau transmission in mouse models. Axonal microtubule disruption is a key molecular mechanism underlying rTBI-induced protein pathogenesis.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique using Bessel beam two-photon microscopy to detect stalling in brain capillaries, which can indicate acute neurological issues. The approach generates clear images of all capillaries every two seconds, providing better temporal resolution and enabling the detection of short stalling events.
Researchers at Drexel University found that the brains of Alzheimer's patients showed profoundly different bacterial profiles compared to healthy controls. The study identified five brain microbiomes, four of which are hypothesized to be present at different times in the evolution of the disease.
Brigham researchers discovered a nasal immunotherapy approach that reduces inflammation and improves cognitive function in Alzheimer's mouse models. The treatment also expands regulatory T cells and changes gene expression patterns in the brain.
Scientists have detected over 300 proteins associated with lipoproteins in the central nervous system, far more than previously thought. The most common protein, apolipoprotein E (APOE), plays a key role in delivering nutrient-rich lipids and protein tools to perform tasks such as wound healing and neuron creation.
Researchers highlight microvascular contributions to white matter injury in Alzheimer's disease, sparking calls for exploration of connections between AD, WM injury and cerebral small vessel disease. The study emphasizes the critical need to define mechanisms and diagnostic features of mixed vascular and AD neuropathological change.
The collaboration has garnered $5.68 million of grant support, with a five-year $2.13 million National Institutes of Health R01 grant and a five-year $2.89 million NIH R01 grant. Researchers are using computational biology to model a key Alzheimer's protein called TREM2 and its interactions with small chemical molecules.
A large-scale study of the UK Biobank data found that shorter white blood cell telomeres are associated with a higher risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Telomere length was also linked to smaller total brain volume and reduced brain structure.
Researchers at Columbia University are using focused ultrasound to non-invasively open the blood-brain barrier, enabling delivery of gene-editing vectors to treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The technology has shown promising results in reducing beta amyloid and tau loads, as well as improving memory deficits.
Researchers have discovered that irisin-based therapies might help combat Alzheimer's disease by reducing amyloid beta deposits and enhancing neprilysin levels. Exercise-induced irisin treatment led to a remarkable reduction of amyloid beta pathology in a 3D human cell culture model of AD.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered a subset of immune cells that slows Alzheimer's disease progression by interacting with microglia. The cells, called CD8+ T cells, use a molecular handshake to signal to the microglia to stop causing uncontrolled inflammation, which in turn slows plaque growth and symptoms.
A Phase I clinical trial has shown that a treatment designed to clear senescent cells in the brain is safe and effective in reducing inflammation. The treatment, which combines dasatinib and quercetin, was found to clear amyloid from the brain and lower inflammation in the blood.
The Stevens INI is expanding its health disparities research with a new award to examine vascular causes of dementia in Asian Americans. The project aims to use innovative imaging techniques and clinical translations to better understand cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and its impact on cognitive impairment and dementia.
Research finds antipsychotics used inappropriately among home-bound patients with Alzheimer's disease, leading to poorer patient outcomes. Commonly used antipsychotic quetiapine is often prescribed based on behavioral symptoms and limited daily activities.
Researchers at Pitt Public Health analyzed thousands of human genomes to find new gene variations influencing Alzheimer's disease risk. They identified 15 additional variations in the APOE gene and other genome areas that may influence disease risk, although more research is needed for definitive conclusions.
Researchers at IU School of Medicine have discovered a critical gene mutation in the PLCG2 gene that heightens the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study found specific rare variants that elevated or reduced the susceptibility to the disease, shedding light on the genetic underpinnings.
Researchers developed a new model of hereditary Alzheimer's disease in marmosets by introducing mutations into the PSEN1 gene, which causes early-onset disease in humans. The study aims to characterize and validate genetic, molecular, functional, and cognitive features of aging and Alzheimer's disease in these animals.
Researchers found that ferroptosis, a form of cell death caused by iron buildup, destroys microglia cells in the brain's immune response, contributing to cognitive decline. The study's findings may lead to the development of compounds targeting microglial degeneration, offering new hope for Alzheimer's and vascular dementia treatments.
Researchers aim to prevent Alzheimer's development by encouraging regular light-intensity physical activity, using wearable devices and personalized goal-setting. The study will explore the effectiveness of short-term goal prompts in promoting long-term adherence to physical activity.
A team of researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine has been awarded a $16.2 million grant to study inequities in healthcare for adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, with a focus on racialized and marginalized populations. The five-year renewal grant will explore how intersecting identities affect treatment...
A new article published in RadioGraphics warns of a potential side effect of novel Alzheimer's treatments: amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). ARIA can cause swelling or bleeding in the brain and may be asymptomatic. Radiologists must monitor for ARIA to plan image monitoring per established guidelines.
A review article confirms neurofilament light (NfL) blood levels can predict the severity and rate of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. High NfL levels are correlated with brain damage, cognitive decline, and increased risk of developing the disease.
A new blood-based test called p-tau217 has shown great promise in identifying Alzheimer's disease by stratifying patients into low, intermediate, and high-risk groups. The two-step workflow reduces the need for confirmatory testing in uncertain cases.
Scientists at CU Anschutz Medical Campus discover that long-term potentiation requires structural functions of CaMKII, not enzymatic actions. This breakthrough opens the door to therapeutic use of inhibitors targeting only CaMKII activity.
Researchers found that individuals with a genetic mutation linked to early-onset Alzheimer's disease had slower cognitive decline if they had higher education levels. The study also revealed that the APOE e4 mutation, which significantly increases risk for sporadic Alzheimer's disease, was less detrimental to cognitive function in thos...
A study of medical and genetic data reveals that carrying a particular gene version reduces the risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by over 10% on average. The protective allele, DR4, also correlates with a later onset of symptoms in both diseases.
A new molecule called A11 has been found to reduce inflammation and improve memory in models of Alzheimer's disease. By targeting the genetic transcription factor PU.1, A11 suppresses inflammatory gene expression in microglia immune cells, leading to reduced neurodegeneration and improved cognition.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a 'mini-brain' that tracks the effects of concussive force on brain cells, revealing a link between head trauma and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that even hours after a hit, acrolein production leads to misfolded amyloid beta protein aggregation.
A new study will examine the role of lifestyle physical activity in cognition among insufficiently active older adults with higher risks for Alzheimer’s or related dementias. The research aims to identify achievable lifestyle health behaviors that can reduce the risk of these conditions.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a novel 3D human cellular model that mimics the intricate interactions between brain cells and immune invaders, providing insights into how immune cells contribute to Alzheimer's disease progression. The study identified specific types of immune cells called CT8+ T Cells surg...
Research suggests that certain gut problems, such as gastroparesis, dysphagia, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), may precede the development of Parkinson's disease. A nationwide medical record network study found a significant association between these conditions and an increased risk of Parkinson's diagnosis.
Researchers from FAU will examine the effects of smoke-related air pollution on social isolation, cognitive function and risk of Alzheimer's disease in rural residents along Lake Okeechobee. The five-year study aims to promote early awareness of the disease and earlier modification of associated risk factors.
Researchers developed a digital biomarker that detects early signs of Alzheimer's disease using EEG headbands, identifying abnormal levels of proteins in sleep patterns. The study found measurable problems with memory reactivation in 205 aging adults, paving the way for affordable devices to monitor brain health.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a nanoscale optical technique to monitor protein aggregates forming in cells, which can lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and ALS. The study provides a new window into the transition of proteins from liquid to solid phase.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham used stem cells from patients with Alzheimer's disease to study the impact of SORL1 gene damage. They found that loss of normal SORL1 function leads to a reduction in key AD proteins APOE and CLU, highlighting a potential new strategy for treatment.
A study suggests that immune cells, particularly regulatory T cells, play a role in anxiety and depression, with reduced expression of the transcription factor Foxp3 associated with major depressive disorders. Depletion of these cells leads to increased anxiety-like behaviors in mice, highlighting their potential link to these conditions.
The Wang Lab at MPFI will investigate neural circuits underlying Alzheimer's disease with a new $1.038M NIH grant. The research aims to shed light on how the brain forms and maintains memories, particularly in patients with declining cholinergic inputs.
A new study by UC San Diego researchers shows that time-restricted feeding can improve memory and reduce amyloid protein accumulation in mice with Alzheimer's disease. This approach may provide a simple and accessible way to correct circadian disruptions, which are the leading cause of nursing home placement.
Researchers found that C9ORF72 mutations impair neural stem cell renewal, leading to reduced brain regions during embryonic development. This impairment could contribute to disease symptoms later in life. The study used patient-derived nerve cells and laboratory mice to demonstrate the impact of C9ORF72 on neurodevelopment.
Researchers found that natural forgetting can be reversed in certain circumstances, with memories stored in engram cells still intact but inaccessible. Competition between engrams affects recall, and forgotten memory traces can be reactivated by cues or updated with new information.
The FDA approved brexpiprazole, an antipsychotic drug, for treating agitation in elderly patients with dementia, despite trials showing it failed to provide a clinically meaningful benefit and increased the risk of death. The decision may reverse efforts to reduce off-label use of antipsychotics in care homes.
A new study finds that severe behavioral symptoms in older adults are associated with a higher likelihood of divorce, while those with more advanced dementia are less likely to end their marriages. The research analyzed data from 263 married couples and found a positive correlation between neuropsychiatric symptoms and divorce risk.
A new study published in Neurology found that only a small percentage of older adults with early Alzheimer's disease meet the eligibility criteria to receive new monoclonal antibody treatments. The study estimates that around 8% of people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia would be eligible for treatment.
Researchers found that vaccines against tetanus, diphtheria, and shingles, as well as pneumococcus, may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 25-30% in adults over 65. Vaccination is hypothesized to change how the immune system responds to toxic proteins contributing to Alzheimer’s disease.