Research on Alzheimer's disease, from early signs to new therapies. Covers screening tools, brain damage mechanisms, risk factors, sleep, and drug targets.
During the second lockdown, patients and loved ones experienced fewer psychosocial problems, such as anxiety, compared to the first lockdown. Social support from family and friends played an important role in reducing negative feelings like loneliness and sadness.
A UCLA-led study found that aducanumab's ancillary care services, such as MRIs and neurologist visits, account for nearly 20% of total Medicare costs. The estimated annual spending on the drug could increase Medicare premiums.
Researchers found that CBN preserves mitochondrial function and prevents oxidative damage to nerve cells, suggesting potential for treating age-related neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The compound works independently of cannabinoid receptors, making it a promising therapeutic option.
New research reveals the brain's flexibility in multitasking while walking, improving stability and performance. The study uses a Mobile Brain/Body Imaging system to record brain activity while participants walk on a treadmill or perform cognitive tasks.
Researchers at GIST demonstrate that ultrasound pulses can reduce β-amyloid plaque concentration and tau protein levels in AD-model mice, suggesting a promising non-invasive therapeutic strategy. The treatment also improves brain connectivity without causing harm to brain tissue.
The Epstein Family Foundation has donated $50 million to USC and UC San Diego to accelerate Alzheimer's research and discover effective therapies for the disease. The collaboration aims to compress study design, patient recruitment, and clinical trials to expedite the discovery of better treatments and a cure.
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association found that 12 to 14 intervention sessions can improve cognition in older adults at risk of dementia. The optimal dose was determined by analyzing data from the Multidomain Alzheimer Preventive Trial, taking into account individual characteristics su...
Scientists have mapped the tau interactome, showing that mutant tau impacts mitochondria function in human neurons. The study also reveals a mechanism for tau release from neurons and its binding to mitochondrial proteins, which may inform future studies on preventing diseased tau spread.
A team of Weill Cornell Medicine investigators created a comprehensive atlas, called Tau interactome, that maps all the Tau protein's interactions with other proteins in human neurons. They found that mutations diminish Tau-mitochondrial protein interaction may hamper energy production and lead to cognitive decline.
Aging leads to protein misfolding, which overwhelms the cell's quality control system. Ribosome dysfunction causes a snowball effect of dysfunction, leading to disease. Insights from yeast and roundworm models suggest a two-pronged situation where aging increases stalling and collisions, but the safety net is lost.
A new study published in Science reveals distinct filament structures in Alzheimer's disease, with Type I filaments found in sporadic cases and Type II in familial cases. The findings may lead to new prevention and treatment strategies.
A recent study published in Experimental Neurology suggests that the accumulation of a fragment of the synaptic protein neurexin in the adult brain causes specific losses of memory. The researchers observed that this accumulation triggers defects in associative memory and presynaptic plasticity, particularly affecting the amygdala.
A ketogenic diet has been shown to improve spatial memory and visual memory, lower brain inflammation indices, and cause less neuronal death in individuals with traumatic brain injuries. The diet may also slow down the rate of cellular aging, offering hope for those suffering from this condition.
Researchers at West Virginia University are investigating the link between chronic stress and Alzheimer's disease using animal models. They aim to understand how xanthine oxidase may sabotage brain blood vessels in Alzheimer's patients, and explore whether a medication can block this pathway to keep the brain healthy.
Researchers have discovered that heart disease causes early brain dysfunction, leading to reduced blood flow and increased risk of dementia. A combination of heart disease and a genetic predisposition for Alzheimer's Disease also trebles the amount of beta-amyloid protein in the brain.
A new study found that COVID-19 patients exhibit higher levels of blood proteins indicating neurological damage compared to Alzheimer's disease patients, especially those with neurological symptoms. The study suggests a potential link between COVID-19 and an increased risk of future brain injury.
A study published in Neuron found that inflammatory markers are elevated even before dementia symptoms appear, suggesting a potential role in neuroprotection. The researchers discovered two proteins linked to a damage control program, which may support the development of new drugs for early detection and treatment.
Researchers at Waseda University discovered a new protein isoform called Senp5S, which helps regulate Drp1 and mitochondrial dynamics during brain development. The study suggests a novel and vital role for post-translational SUMOylation in neuronal differentiation.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered that increasing Nrf2 gene expression in astrocytes protects neurons from Alzheimer's disease progression. Boosting Nrf2 slowed cognitive and physical decline, reduced beta-amyloid accumulation, and reversed genetic changes in mouse models.
New research published in JNeurosci reveals that impaired cognition can be part of normal aging, rather than an early sign of Alzheimer's. Cognitively frail adults showed brain structure and activity similar to healthy controls, suggesting lifestyle factors like physical activity and education may play a role.
A new study found that reducing air pollution can lower dementia risk among older women by decreasing their likelihood of developing dementia. The benefits were consistent despite differences among participants in age, geographic area, socioeconomic background, and other factors.
A recent study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that regular exercise enhances the connections between neurons in older adults, maintaining healthy cognition. The research, led by Kaitlin Casaletto and William Honer, suggests that physical activity may help boost synaptic functioning and safeguard against dementia.
A new study led by Mount Sinai researchers found that microglia may play a critical role in some cases of brain disease, and provides a comprehensive guide for future studies. The study identified two new genes linked to brain disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
A study found that cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil increase the risk of overactive bladder in people with dementia. Galantamine and rivastigmine were not associated with this increased risk.
A research team led by Case Western Reserve University has discovered a link between misshapen tau protein and accelerated cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease, potentially leading to more accurate prognoses. The study found distinct populations of highly potent TAU seed conformers in rapidly progressing cases.
Automated brain volumetry in memory-impaired patients shows significant differences and systematic biases between conventional and ultrafast 3D T1-weighted MRI sequences. Most regions demonstrated substantial agreement but also significantly different mean values and consistent biases.
Researchers discovered that Alzheimer's disease risk genes disrupt the brain's natural protective mechanism against neurodegeneration. The study found that reactive oxygen species and amyloid-beta accelerate disease development in animal models.
A new combination therapy using rifampicin and resveratrol administered intranasally has shown to improve cognitive function in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy bodies. The treatment effectively reduces oligomer accumulation and restores brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression.
A study at the University of Helsinki found that the APOE4 allele may increase cerebral microhaemorrhages and mental fatigue in COVID-19 patients. The risk of developing severe COVID-19 more than doubled in carriers of this allele.
A new study found a 23% decline in serious cognitive impairment among older American women between 2008 and 2017, with men experiencing a 13% decline. The decline was attributed to generational differences in educational attainment, which continues to have long-term benefits on later-life cognitive functioning.
A team of researchers found a connection between energy production and Alzheimer's disease in zebrafish with mutated genes. They discovered that Alzheimer's disease affects the use of oxygen within cells to produce energy, leading to severe deficiency in brain function.
A study published in the journal Brain found that boosting levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine with atomoxetine reduced markers of neuroinflammation and stabilized protein Tau, which forms neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. The treatment showed promising results in people with mild cognitive impairment.
Researchers find that toxic aggregates form inside brain cells, causing axon damage and neuronal death. Silencing specific proteins can block the aggregation process, potentially preventing or treating prion diseases and other neurodegenerative disorders.
A new clinical trial is enrolling young people with rare genetic mutations that cause early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The study will test gantenerumab to prevent the buildup of toxic protein amyloid beta, which can slow or stop the disease.
The Arizona Alzheimer's Disease Research Center has received a $15.7 million NIH grant to support its efforts in advancing Alzheimer's disease research and care in Arizona. The grant will focus on establishing the role of promising blood tests in Alzheimer's research, clinical trials, and clinical care.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio discovered that norepinephrine release in the visual cortex is tied to processing of imagery and cells' activation. This local regulation enhances sensory-specific attention and may represent a mechanism to enhance focus.
Two Canadian-led brain research teams will receive funding to develop and validate new measures of dementia care and outcomes, addressing existing measurement gaps. The projects aim to improve care practices and desired outcomes for individuals with dementia, in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association and Brain Canada.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that artificial intelligence can predict which people attending memory clinics will develop dementia within two years with 92% accuracy. The machine learning algorithm analyzed data from over 15,300 patients and identified around eight per cent of dementia diagnoses as being made in error.
Exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particles is associated with increased beta-amyloid protein deposition and neurofilament light in cerebrospinal fluid, indicating a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. The study highlights the importance of reducing exposure to air pollution to mitigate this risk.
A new study has made an Alzheimer's disease biomarker test available to all Canadians, enabling doctors to accurately diagnose the disease even when mild symptoms are present. The test aims to improve care and support for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and their families.
Researchers have identified senescent cells in human brains that can serve as a target for a new Alzheimer's treatment. The study found that approximately 2% of brain cells are senescent and have abnormal accumulations of tau protein, which correlates with disease severity.
Researchers at Kobe University discover that adding Vitamin B2 to stressed cells increases mitochondrial energy production and prevents cellular senescence. This finding has potential implications for preventing age-related disorders and extending healthy lifespans.
A bile acid derivative, TUDCA, reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure in mice with an Alzheimer's-like disorder. The treatment improved quality of life by mitigating metabolic abnormalities associated with the disease.
Researchers at the University of Bath have optimised a peptide that prevents alpha-synuclein misfolding, a key feature of Parkinson's disease. The new molecule, 4654W(N6A), has shown significant promise in lab experiments and could lead to the development of a disease-modifying treatment.
Researchers have determined the molecular structure of TDP-43 aggregates extracted from human brains, shedding light on its role in neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. The discovery may lead to the development of targeted therapies and diagnostic tests.
An experimental drug called NAP has been found effective in treating a broad spectrum of symptoms related to autism, intellectual disability, and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers discovered that NAP normalizes brain function in mice modeling ADNP syndrome, a rare disorder linked to these conditions.
A new study shows that blood from young adult mice that are getting lots of exercise benefits the brains of same-aged, sedentary mice. Transfusions of blood from running mice reduced neuroinflammation and improved cognitive performance in sedentary mice.
Researchers found damage to a brain part that regulates hyperactivity contributes to both memory issues and seizures in the most common form of epilepsy. This discovery may lead to earlier diagnosis and new treatments for epilepsy and related disorders.
Researchers found that subjects who underwent cataract surgery had a nearly 30% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not. The results persisted for at least a decade after surgery and were associated with lower risk of Alzheimer disease dementia specifically.
The study, published in Nature Aging, found that sildenafil reduces the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease by 69% compared to non-users. Sildenafil also shows promise in treating the disease by increasing brain cell growth and decreasing hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins.
A new study developed by researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that a simple, self-administered test can identify early signs of dementia sooner than the most commonly used office-based standard cognitive test. The Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE test) accurately identified patients with mil...
Researchers found that gut microbiome changes can reduce b-amyloid deposits in male mice, indicating a potential target for preventing and treating dementia. Daily fecal matter transplants restored the pre-antibiotic microbiome, suggesting microglia memory plays a role.
A study by Weill Cornell Medicine scientists found that blocking a signaling pathway in brain immune cells can protect against Alzheimer's disease features in a preclinical model. The results suggest a new strategy to block the development of the disease or slow its progression.
Researchers discovered that eliminating α-endosulfine (ENSA) or blocking its function reduces brain changes and improves memory in mice. ENSA blocks a potassium channel, which, when blocked, combats excess ENSA levels associated with Alzheimer's disease.
A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine showed that a fast-tracked stroke drug, 3K3A-APC, protected mice from injury to the brain's white matter, a leading cause of dementia. The drug may also be effective in slowing down progression of cognitive impairment.
Researchers from Kanazawa University found that exogenously introduced Aβ seeds primarily induce Aβ depositions in blood vessels, rather than brain parenchyma. This discovery sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and highlights the risk of iatrogenic transmission.
A dental device to reduce snoring improves cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The maximum breathing rate during uninterrupted periods of sleep can differentiate healthy individuals from those with Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment. Improved sleep may slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers have discovered that specific regions of HAT family proteins determine which amino acids they bind to, leading to unique functions in cell growth and diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. This knowledge will enable efforts to develop compounds targeting these proteins for therapy.
Researchers found that people with brain buildup but no dementia had normal tau protein, while those who developed plaques or tangles also had a different-handed form of tau. This suggests that a slowdown in autophagy, the process of clearing spent proteins, may be underlying cause of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that participants with moderate dementia performed better in cluttered environments, while those with mild and severe dementia showed no significant difference. The study suggests that adapting physical environments to suit individual needs may be more effective than de-cluttering in supporting people with dementia.