Research on Alzheimer's disease, from early signs to new therapies. Covers screening tools, brain damage mechanisms, risk factors, sleep, and drug targets.
Researchers have improved analysis of molecules linked to Alzheimer's disease by using higher magnetic fields, enabling the study of complex mixtures and identifying atomic-level clues. This finding could aid the development of future treatments for the disease.
A study reveals that Alzheimer's disease biomarkers are associated with rapid cognitive decline and progression to dementia in people over 80. The presence of these biomarkers identifies patients at risk of more significant impairment and loss of independence, even within the context of multiple coexisting conditions.
Lecanemab is approved to treat early Alzheimer's disease, but its clinical benefits are modest. The treatment carries serious adverse effects and requires resource-intensive monitoring with MRI scans.
Researchers at Niigata University conducted the first comprehensive reappraisal of Alzheimer's disease risk in Japanese APOE-e4 homozygotes, finding a substantially lower risk than previously cited estimates. The study suggests that the risk is comparable to estimates reported in large studies of people with European ancestry.
Researchers discovered that a brain protein called Arc helps spread toxic Tau from sick brain cells to healthy ones in mice. This finding suggests that targeting the spread of Tau could be a powerful tool to stop Alzheimer's disease progression. The study also highlights the potential protective role of Arc in early stages of the disease.
A new study reveals ATOX1 as a key regulator of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and microglial survival in Alzheimer's disease. ATOX1 expression is downregulated in microglia associated with Aβ plaques, leading to copper accumulation and cellular toxicity.
This study reveals that Porphyromonas gingivalis induces neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment via microglial ferroptosis triggered by the NOX4/PPAR-α/PGC-1α pathway. The findings provide a molecular target for drug repurposing to intervene in periodontitis-associated Alzheimer's disease.
Research presented at the European Academy of Neurology Congress 2026 found that women with Parkinson's disease had significantly greater amyloid plaque burden and neuritic plaque density compared to men. The study suggests that women may be more susceptible to Alzheimer's-related changes in the brain.
Researchers identified karyoptosis as a key link between toxic protein accumulation and neuron death in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The study found that targeting proteins acting as 'switches' in this pathway may slow or prevent cell death by karyoptosis.
A cohort study found that a dietary pattern with lower inflammatory potential was associated with lower dementia risk among individuals with Alzheimer disease pathology. Targeted dietary strategies may help prevent dementia in those already at elevated risk.
Researchers at Texas A&M University develop a laser technique called TRIP to directly measure quantum forces shaping proteins, enabling accurate prediction of how pharmaceutical drugs interact with them. This breakthrough could lead to the design of medicines tailored to specific diseases, revolutionizing precision medicine.
Salk Institute researchers discovered chronoferroptosis, a chronic stress pathway in cells that causes neurons to become less resilient over time and more susceptible to neurodegeneration. Iron accumulation was found to lower the cells' defenses, making them more vulnerable to stressors.
A new study finds that Alzheimer's disease and related dementias will cost the US $818 billion this year, driven by costs associated with care and loss of productivity. The study's comprehensive model accounts for often-overlooked factors like diminished quality of life and unpaid care provided by family members.
A new study published in Health Psychology reveals that individual personality traits play a significant role in how caregiving stress affects physical health. Caregivers with high neuroticism and low agreeableness experienced greater inflammation and poorer physical functioning, while others remained relatively resilient. The research...
Researchers developed RNovA algorithm to identify new PTMs in human cells, expanding capabilities of machine learning in basic biological research. The discovery aims to advance diagnostics and broaden biologists' horizons for cancer and other diseases.
Researchers discovered blood RNA biomarkers that could support earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, potentially reducing the need for invasive tests. They identified brain-specific markers in circulating blood nanoparticles, which may offer a minimally invasive approach for diagnosing the progressive neurodegenerative disease.
A two-year study of 365 older adults found that high doses of omega-3s from fish oil supplements did not improve memory or cognitive function. Brain scans also showed no shrinkage of the hippocampus, a key brain region for memory.
A new poll shows nearly all Michiganders age 50 and over value keeping their brains healthy, but less than half know daily habits can reduce dementia risk. Only half practice key brain-protecting habits.
Researchers have identified an experimental molecule called OLE that can restore part of the brain's protective function against Alzheimer's disease. The compound helps microglia enclose and contain beta-amyloid plaques, reducing their size and toxicity.
Researchers at Niigata University have uncovered a new function of APP, promoting lysosomal exocytosis to expel damaged nuclear material and protect neurons from damage. Reduced APP levels or mutations associated with familial AD led to accumulation of nuclear waste, triggering neuroinflammation and cell death.
A large USC-led study found that the main genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease may be linked to brain amyloid buildup differently in Hispanic and non-Hispanic white older adults. Hispanic participants generally had lower amyloid levels than non-Hispanic whites with similar characteristics.
A new study revealed that retinal photographs can accurately predict many common risk factors associated with developing Alzheimer's disease. The AI model identified regions of the retina linked to Alzheimer's risk factors, such as arteries and optical nerve, and predicted lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol use.
Researchers at UC San Diego have received major grants to investigate the relationship between menopause and hormone therapy on dementia risk in women. The studies aim to develop a clinical tool for earlier dementia detection and improve prevention and treatment strategies.
A $9 million, five-year grant will support the project to improve understanding of CAA's pathobiology and develop early detection and diagnosis methods. The international research team aims to uncover how CAA develops and progresses, leading to earlier interventions and therapies.
A new study found that intranasal davunetide reaches the brain in higher amounts in female mice when estrogen peaks, with similar results seen in healthy adults. The findings suggest earlier trials mixing males and females may have obscured the true effects of the drug.
The report highlights the clinical, emotional, and societal impact of psychosis in individuals living with Alzheimer's disease. Nonpharmacologic strategies are recommended to identify triggers and tailor interventions, with pharmacologic options considered when behavioral strategies are insufficient.
Researchers at Indiana University are using artificial intelligence and machine learning to discover new treatments for Alzheimer's disease. The team hopes to create AI-driven tools that can efficiently screen billions of compounds and prioritize those most likely to interact with disease-related targets.
Researchers found a copper-based compound significantly reduces toxic Alzheimer's proteins and improves long-term spatial memory in laboratory experiments. The treatment repairs the brain's waste-clearing pump, allowing it to clear out trapped toxic proteins and reduce amyloid buildup by 42%.
Researchers identified age-related genetic changes in microglia that may drive inflammation and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. Cancer-associated mutations were found in genes commonly linked to clonal hematopoiesis, promoting inflammatory activity.
A study by DZNE shows that smartphone-based memory tests can detect subtle cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) more quickly than conventional testing. This approach has the potential to accelerate clinical trials for new dementia drugs and be used in routine care.
A large retrospective analysis found a significant association between glucosamine supplementation and increased likelihood of progressing from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease. The study also revealed elevated sugar attachment in Alzheimer's brain specimens, suggesting metabolic dysfunction as a contributing driver.
The JTMF Foundation has expanded its footprint with a $3.3 million gift to fund three main initiatives: identifying early signs of Alzheimer's in adults with Down syndrome, expanding access to cutting-edge clinical research, and developing best-practice guidelines.
A new compound, compound 10, has shown promising effects in slowing the development of Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting GRK2 aggregation. This leads to improved mitochondrial function and reduced amyloid beta deposition, potentially breaking a vicious circle that contributes to dementia progression.
A large Japanese study found that maintaining a healthier profile with lower lifestyle and health risks can significantly lower dementia risk in people with one or no APOE ε4 alleles. However, individuals carrying two APOE ε4 alleles may require different preventive or therapeutic approaches.
A new University of Arizona study has found that several common sleep behaviors may be linked to signs of brain aging. Sleeping outside the recommended seven-to-nine-hour range, frequent daytime napping, and sleeplessness were distinctly associated with greater volume of white matter lesions in healthy people.
A new study by researchers at UC Davis Health and Kaiser Permanente found that long-term exposure to fine air pollution particles (PM2.5) is associated with lower semantic memory, a type of brain's encyclopedia. The study analyzed data from 740 adults aged 53-94 and found no impact on executive function or verbal episodic memory.
Researchers have identified an experimental molecule called OLE that helps restore microglia's protective function against Alzheimer's disease. The compound reduces beta-amyloid plaque size and toxicity, improving cognitive performance in memory tests.
Andrew Yang's research has reshaped scientific understanding of the blood-brain barrier and its role in brain health and disease. His latest study reveals new potential treatment targets for neurological diseases, normal aging, and sleep.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes create new method to track brain waste exit points, revealing unexpected details on immune cell interaction and disease disruption. The 'nearest exit' model suggests that each brain region has a unique drainage system.
Researchers at Columbia University have discovered a key mechanism in the formation of toxic tau filaments that contribute to Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that disrupting neuroproteasomes can trigger misfolding of tau into highly similar filaments, and that APOE variants may play a role in modulating this process.
A blood test can identify signs of Alzheimer's Disease decades before symptoms appear, suggesting early detection and potential treatment. A new brain imaging test also detects Alzheimer's Disease biomarkers earlier than the current standard, improving diagnosis and treatment options.
Researchers found biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease that correlated with minor cognitive differences in midlife adults. These biomarkers, measuring tau and amyloid plaque, were associated with a greater chance of cognitive decline, particularly in processing speed and executive function.
A new brain imaging test can detect Alzheimer's disease pathology in twice as many people before symptoms appear. The test uses a new tau PET tracer that identifies more tau-positive cases than the current standard, leading to better decisions about who is on an Alzheimer's trajectory.
Researchers found that impaired virtual reality path integration was closely tied to brain structure and biomarkers associated with neurodegeneration. This suggests that VR-based navigation errors may reveal hidden changes in the brain long before symptoms arise, making it a promising behavioral marker for preclinical Alzheimer's disease.
A new approach combines MRI scans and AI tools to measure fluid flow in the brain, shedding light on the glymphatic system’s mechanics. The study reveals two main ways the system washes away particles, with one way moving faster than the other.
A large multisite study found that Black and Hispanic people with cognitive impairment are less likely to show Alzheimer's pathology on brain scans compared to other racial and ethnic groups. The study highlights ethnoracial differences in dementia and underscores the need for further research into underlying causes of dementia symptoms.
A plasma-based staging model using eMTBR-tau243 and %p-tau217 demonstrated strong concordance with positron emission tomography-based staging and clinical severity of Alzheimer disease. This approach may provide a scalable, minimally invasive method for biological stratification and treatment selection.
Researchers developed an experimental gene therapy that protects brain cells from toxic protein damage caused by TDP-43, which is linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The approach strengthens the neuron's resilience and helps preserve brain function.
A study proposes that sleep disruption may be connected to increased risk of dementia through the brain's waste clearance system. The glymphatic system, active during sleep, helps remove metabolic waste, and its disruption may lead to cognitive decline.
Researchers at UC Riverside have identified a key neural circuit, the locus coeruleus, which plays a central role in cognitive flexibility and adapting to new rules. Disrupting this circuit impairs the brain's ability to reorganize neural networks during complex decision-making.
A new study from UC San Diego found that poorer sleep quality is associated with greater memory difficulties and more Alzheimer's-related brain changes in older women with a higher genetic risk. The study suggests that improving sleep could become a target for future Alzheimer's prevention strategies.
A new study by Tohoku University researchers has identified dopamine dysfunction as a previously unrecognized mechanism underlying memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease. The discovery may lead to the development of targeted therapies to restore cognitive function and potentially reverse cognitive decline.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that maintaining good overall brain health can help reduce the impact of Alzheimer's-related changes on cognitive function. The research found a link between higher socioeconomic status and reduced cognitive vulnerability, highlighting the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles.
Researchers identified individuals at higher risk of developing dementia and those who will develop the disease at a younger age by combining measures of biological ageing and genetic risk. Those with advanced biological ageing and high genetic risk were up to ten times more likely to develop dementia.
The APOE2 gene variant is associated with exceptional longevity and reduced Alzheimer's risk. Research reveals that APOE2 helps human neurons maintain genomic integrity and resist cellular senescence, driving neurodegeneration. This study offers a mechanistic answer to the protective mechanism behind APOE2's role in aging.
A new study estimates the value-based prices of lecanemab and donanemab across 174 countries, finding that current market prices exceed cost-effective prices by significant margins. The research highlights a global equity issue, where patients in low- and middle-income countries may face delayed or no access to these treatments.
The APOE2 gene variant is linked to exceptional longevity and reduced Alzheimer's risk, thanks to its ability to help human neurons keep their DNA intact and resist cellular senescence. This study reveals a previously underappreciated function of the gene, shifting attention away from its role in cholesterol transport.
The US had substantially higher death rates between 1999 and 2022 compared to other wealthy nations, with cardiovascular diseases being the leading cause of excess mortality. An estimated 12.7 million US deaths could have been averted during this period if US mortality rates mirrored those of its peers.
A new study has found that individuals with insulin-requiring type 1 and type 2 diabetes have a significantly higher risk of developing dementia compared to those without diabetes. The study, which examined over 1.3 million adults in South Korea, suggests that dementia risk is not the same for all types of diabetes.
A study from the University of Eastern Finland reveals that lithium chloride may affect various cellular level changes in Alzheimer's disease, including Tau phosphorylation and Rho GTPase signaling. The researchers identified new AD-relevant phosphosites affected by lithium chloride treatment.