Research on Alzheimer's disease, from early signs to new therapies. Covers screening tools, brain damage mechanisms, risk factors, sleep, and drug targets.
New research from UC Berkeley suggests that deep sleep can act as a protective factor against memory decline in individuals with existing high amounts of Alzheimer's disease pathology. This study provides hope for alleviating some of dementia's most devastating outcomes.
A large study found that people with dementia are at higher risk of self-harm within the first 12 months after diagnosis. The researchers emphasize the importance of providing psychosocial and mental health supports to patients upon diagnosis, particularly men, who are more likely to develop dementia after self-harm.
A study found that high school quality is linked to better late-life cognition, particularly for those with more experienced teachers. Attending higher-quality schools may influence life trajectory and lead to better cognitive outcomes.
Exposure to air pollution is associated with worse verbal fluency and episodic memory in individuals with the APOE-4 allele. Higher levels of PM2.5 and NO2 are linked to increased cognitive decline over time, highlighting the importance of early identification and modification of modifiable risk factors.
A recent study published in Brain found that stress increases Alzheimer's risk in female mice by elevating amyloid beta levels, while male mice do not exhibit this effect. The researchers identified a cellular stress response pathway in brain cells that is active in females but not males.
A new MRI approach uses harmless glucose solution to map brain glucose metabolism, generating reliable results and potentially improving diagnosis of conditions like Alzheimer's and cancer. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings and deploy this less-invasive method for patients.
A new study by North Carolina State University researchers used EEGs on elderly dogs to determine whether brain-wave readings during sleep correlated with signs of cognitive decline. The study found that dogs with more advanced dementia suffered from more sleep disruptions and slept less overall than dogs with normal cognitive function.
Dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) display altered brain wave activity during sleep, including reduced slow-wave sleep and increased fast beta waves. This research builds on human studies linking disrupted sleep patterns to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers at Temple University Health System found that carbonic anhydrase inhibitors reduce inflammation, restore cell function and prevent cognitive impairment in mice with amyloid buildup. CAIs also improved cerebrovascular health and enhanced amyloid-clearing capacity.
Scientists have created a system that directly targets and degrades the SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA genome, reducing infection in mice. This method could be adapted to fight off many viruses and treat various diseases.
A repurposed HIV drug has been found to restore the brain's autophagy function, helping prevent build-up of misfolded proteins and slowing disease progression in mouse models of Huntington's disease and dementia. This discovery provides clues to how this process could be slowed or prevented in humans.
A new genetic therapy, BIIB080, has been shown to safely lower levels of the harmful tau protein in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The trial found a greater than 50% reduction in tau protein concentrations after 24 weeks in treatment groups.
Targeting a specific antiviral pathway may one day offer a new way to treat or delay cognitive decline in Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. Researchers found that inhibiting a key enzyme called cGAS can help neurons become resilient to tau protein buildup, a hallmark of these diseases.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that intensive blood pressure treatment significantly reduces the risk of adverse cerebrovascular events such as stroke. Participants with hypertension who received intensive treatment showed reduced white matter lesions and improved blood flow, indicating better overall brain health.
A preclinical study suggests that abnormal immune activity in astrocytes is sufficient to cause cognitive deficits in dementia. Astrocytes produce excessive immune messengers, activating neurons and leading to hyperactivity.
A new PANDA-project aims to develop and test an ear-EEG device that can screen patients for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The technology measures brain electrical activity and sleep patterns, with the goal of identifying early signs of the diseases and enabling earlier diagnosis.
A new study at Stanford University found a previously unknown cellular pathway for clearing misfolded proteins from the nucleus. This pathway could be a target for therapies of age-related diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's. Cells use this pathway to manage misfolded proteins in both the cytoplasm and nucleus.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have made a groundbreaking discovery about how neurons consume and metabolize glucose, a process crucial for maintaining normal energy levels. The study found that neurons rely on glycolysis to break down glucose, and its disruption can lead to severe learning and memory problems in mice.
Researchers have identified a possible way to help break the cycle between sleep disturbances and Alzheimer's disease. A small study found that people who took a sleeping aid experienced a drop in key Alzheimer's proteins.
A strong sense of purpose in life promotes greater connectivity within the brain's Default Mode Network, which may help protect against cognitive decline. Middle-aged adults with a higher purpose in life show lower levels of brain burden and better cognitive performance.
A new online tool, CogDrisk, has been found to be effective in assessing dementia risk, providing a personalized report for patients and GPs. The tool uses a combination of statistical methods and modifiable risk factors to predict dementia risk, including physical activity, obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, and poor diet.
Researchers have discovered a link between iron redox and Alzheimer's disease, which could lead to the development of new drugs to treat the condition. The new imaging technique allows for the simultaneous detection of two forms of iron in cells and tissue, providing insights into its role in destroying brain cells.
Researchers have identified a subset of neurons in the mammillary body that are most susceptible to neurodegeneration and hyperactivity in Alzheimer's disease. These findings suggest that this region may contribute to early symptoms of the disease, making it a potential target for new drugs.
Researchers discovered a mechanism that helps explain the link between reduced levels of protein PKMzeta and neurological disorders. The study used epigenetics to show that hypermethylation of the gene regulates its expression.
Researchers at Duke University have successfully improved the resolution of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), capturing images of a mouse brain with unprecedented sharpness. The breakthrough allows for the visualization of microscopic details within the brain, enabling new insights into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's an...
Researchers demonstrate therapeutic potential of new neurons generated in adulthood for modulating Alzheimer's disease pathology and functional deficits. Optogenetics and chemogenetics strategies enhance adult-born neurons, restoring cognitive and affective function in mice with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at UC Davis discovered how oligodendrocyte-lineage cells transfer cell material to neurons in the mouse brain, providing a new mechanism for understanding brain maturation and finding treatments for neurological conditions. This discovery opens new possibilities for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and P...
Researchers developed a new imaging technique that visualizes the interaction between reactive astrocytes and neurons in the brain, revealing a potential breakthrough in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and treatment. The study found that acetate promotes reactive astrogliosis, leading to dementia, and offers a new target for AD treatment.
Researchers at MIT have found a way to reverse neurodegeneration and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease by interfering with an overactive brain enzyme called CDK5. The peptide treatment reduced neurodegeneration, DNA damage, and improved behavior in mice with Alzheimer's.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover that dysfunctional mitochondria at synapses fail to meet energetic demand, supplying either too much or too little power and potentially causing working memory impairment with age. Adherence to the ultrastructural size principle is essential for avoiding cognitive decline in aging brains.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia using a PREP inhibitor. The PREP inhibitor reduced Tau accumulation and toxicity in cellular models and mice with tauopathy, improving cognitive skills.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that a type of sugar molecule in blood is associated with the level of tau protein, a critical factor in severe dementia. Measuring blood glycan levels can predict Alzheimer's disease risk to 80% accuracy, almost a decade before symptoms appear.
A Brown-led research team found that four dementia-care interventions saved between $2,800 and $13,000 in societal costs and reduced nursing home admissions while improving quality of life. Non-drug interventions have been shown to be effective in clinical trials and can help people with dementia stay safely at home longer.
Research using mice models of Alzheimer's disease found that deep brain stimulation activated only a small population of new neurons, restoring cognitive and non-cognitive functions. The study also identified protein pathways involved in improved memory performance and plaque clearance.
A new study published in Neurology shows that younger brain age is associated with superior post-stroke outcomes, suggesting a potential biomarker for stroke rehabilitation. The research team used multi-site data sets and 3D brain structural MRIs to analyze the relationship between brain age and stroke recovery.
A recent study found that a modified Mediterranean ketogenic diet can decrease the risk of Alzheimer's disease by modifying biological pathways linked to the disease. The diet showed robust changes in gut microbiome and reduced levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter associated with Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that COVID-19 infection leads to rapidly progressive dementia, blurring the lines between different types of dementia. Cortical atrophy and inflammation were key indicators, suggesting previously compromised brains have limited defense against new insults.
Research reveals that cold activates cellular cleansing mechanisms that break down protein clumps, preventing age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. By modulating proteasome activity, scientists have found a potential therapeutic target for aging and related neurodegenerative disorders.
A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers found that early menopause may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease dementia. However, women who received hormone therapy around the time of menopause onset did not experience an increased risk of dementia. The study suggests that timing is crucial when it comes to hormone therapy, ...
A recent study found that genetic risk scores are more predictive of Alzheimer's disease in adults over 65 than age. The study used machine learning models to rank risk factors, including household income, which emerged as an important risk factor. The findings suggest considering genetic information when working on Alzheimer's disease.
A new study by Boston University researchers reveals that visual stimulation can induce large-scale changes in cerebrospinal fluid flow during wakefulness. The findings have implications for treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease, which are associated with declines in fluid flow.
Researchers identified a crucial molecular process involving gene expression in neurons that contributes to early memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. Genetic alterations in mice showed that lack of phosphorylation on beta-2 adrenergic receptors led to poor memory, while PDE inhibitors improved memory function.
Research by Whitehead et al. reveals that cellular senescence triggers amyloidosis through changes in small extracellular vesicles and extracellular matrix composition. The study provides novel insights into the formation of aortic medial amyloid and offers potential therapeutic targets for mitigating its effects.
Researchers used a novel brain imaging technique to visualize subtle brain changes in pre-symptomatic Alzheimer's patients. They found that individualized brain fingerprints can detect variations in brain function associated with worsening information processing.
Researchers developed a new form of omega-3 fatty acid DHA that can cross into the retina, increasing retinal DHA content and preserving function. This approach overcomes previous barriers and shows promise for preventing Alzheimer's-related declines in visual function.
A new point-of-care testing kit will facilitate early diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer's Disease in primary clinics or home settings. The kit detects biomarkers in skin samples, enabling early identification of individuals at greatest risk of dementia.
A new study links shorter telomeres to multiple changes in the brain associated with dementia, including reduced grey matter volume and a thicker cerebral cortex. Longer telomeres were found to be protective, reducing the risk of dementia but not stroke or Parkinson's disease.
Scientists have used gene therapy to increase 'cold shock protein' levels in mice brains, protecting them against prion disease. The approach could lead to a safer treatment for acute brain injury and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
A new study has uncovered the brain's internal compass, which helps it navigate changing environments. The research found that the brain uses a mechanism called 'network gain' to reorient itself after being disoriented, allowing for rapid recovery of its sense of direction.
Researchers have identified 238 genes that regulate Alzheimer's disease, including Surf4, which contributes to the disease by altering the regulation of calcium within the cell. The study found that most of these genes are involved in mitochondrial activity, protein translation and intracellular calcium regulation.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) is pleased to announce the availability of Discover BMB 2023 press materials. The meeting features groundbreaking research on various topics, including a new form of omega-3 that may prevent visual decline with Alzheimer's disease and markers of PTSD in the blood. Addi...
A Swedish study suggests that elite male footballers are 1.5 times more likely to develop neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, compared to population controls. Football players had a higher risk of dementia due to head trauma exposure, with goalkeepers showing no significant increase in risk.
Patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias exhibit significantly higher readmission rates and overall episode costs compared to their non-dementia counterparts. Judicious preoperative assessment and care planning are strongly advised for this vulnerable patient population, particularly in the post-discharge period.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have found a way to spur brain immune cells to clear toxic waste linked to Alzheimer’s disease by targeting their metabolism. The study reveals a ‘metabolic switch’ in the brain’s immune cells that can be manipulated to improve their function.
Researchers at Drexel University have discovered the regulatory mechanism behind protein diversity generation and its malfunctioning as an early contributor to Alzheimer's development. The study suggests that the Tip60 enzyme plays a critical role in controlling RNA splicing, generating diverse protein variants necessary for learning a...
Early CTE disease process is characterized by different molecular pathways and gene expression changes compared to late-stage disease. Researchers analyzed post-mortem brain tissue from athletes with CTE and found distinct differences in neuro-inflammatory processes and genetic markers.
A newly funded research project is exploring the link between HIV-induced aging and Alzheimer's disease. The team aims to develop a drug delivery system to increase HIV suppression in the brain and decrease associated neurocognitive disorders.
Scientists from Tokyo Medical and Dental University find that antibody fragments encapsulated in nanomicelles can reduce toxic Aβ species in the brain of an Alzheimer's disease model mouse. This breakthrough delivers treatment to where it is needed most, potentially slowing AD progression.
A study by Washington University School of Medicine suggests targeting T cells to prevent neurodegeneration and treat Alzheimer's disease. The research indicates that microglia partner with T cells to cause brain damage in the disease, and blocking their entry can avoid most neurodegeneration.
Researchers have found a possible new target for therapies aimed at treating age-related neurological diseases by linking increased presence of immune cells to conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Microglia, specialized immune cells in the brain, can adopt a dysfunctional state that contributes to neurodegenerative diseases.