Articles tagged with Alzheimer Disease
Scientists have pinpointed dysfunctional brain networks responsible for impaired speech and word finding in primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a type of dementia. The study found three brain regions that fail to communicate, leading to difficulties with sentence production, word comprehension, and word naming.
Researchers discovered that higher levels of TREM2 protein in cerebrospinal fluid are associated with improved prognosis and reduced cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. The study suggests that TREM2 may play a key role in regulating the brain's protective immune response, offering new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers found that high maternal fat consumption during gestation improves offspring memory and learning skills by maintaining synaptic integrity. Offspring from mothers on a high-fat diet also have lower levels of amyloid-beta, an abnormal protein linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered a gene that regulates the behavior of an enzyme involved in Alzheimer's disease, which also causes a rare neurological disorder. The study suggests that targeting this enzyme could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's.
A study found that adults carrying a gene associated with higher Alzheimer's risk had difficulty accessing recently acquired knowledge, despite normal cognitive scores. The research used a listening test to assess attention and memory, revealing greater challenges for individuals with the APOE4 gene.
Researchers discovered that removing brain immune cells called microglia prevents beta-amyloid plaque formation in rodent models of Alzheimer's. This finding suggests a crucial role for microglia in the disease's development and progression.
Researchers have discovered a second molecular zipper in the beta amyloid protein that may contribute to the formation of brain fibrils in Alzheimer's disease. This kinked form is more harmful and can initiate a cascade of events leading to dementia.
A team of researchers led by Brittany Dugger will study donated post-mortem brain tissues from diverse individuals with Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Dominican heritage to define the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease in Hispanic cohorts. The goal is to develop specific disease profiles and improve prevention and treatment.
A small pilot study found that adults with MCI can learn to practice mindfulness meditation, demonstrating that memory impairment does not preclude learning such skills. Participants who practiced daily showed improved understanding of key tenets of mindfulness, suggesting a potential non-pharmacological treatment for MCI.
A team of scientists has identified two genes, MS4A4A and TREM2, that influence the risk for both late-onset and early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Variants in these genes affect the brain's immune cells, which may hold a new strategy to delay or protect against the disease.
A new small molecule drug, DYR219, targets the early instigator of Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting DYRK1 kinase. This approach delays amyloid plaque formation and improves cognitive performance in hybrid mice bred to develop AD-like symptoms.
Researchers found that CD2AP gene is involved in synaptic transmission and regulates key regulatory proteins at neuron terminals. Low CD2AP levels significantly correlate with abnormal turnover of synaptic proteins in brain autopsies of individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers developed a tissue model that mimics blood-brain barrier disruption in Alzheimer's disease, showing how damaged barriers allow harmful molecules to enter the brain. The model also revealed that restoring the blood-brain barrier with certain drugs can slow down neuron cell death.
Researchers at UC San Francisco have found that Alzheimer's disease directly attacks brain regions responsible for wakefulness during the day, leading to excessive daytime napping. This damage is associated with tau protein buildup, which contributes more directly to brain degeneration than amyloid protein.
Researchers at UC Riverside propose a new theory for Alzheimer's disease, pointing to lysosomal storage as the underlying cause. Long-lived proteins like beta-amyloid and tau undergo spontaneous modifications that make them undigestible by lysosomes, leading to cellular damage.
A research team mapped the molecular structure of an aggressive protein aggregate that causes accelerated Alzheimer's disease. The study revealed variations in amyloid depositions and potential risk factors for spreading and amplification.
Research shows physically active individuals experience fewer age-related alterations in biomarkers associated with the disease. Regular exercise appears to help prevent physical signs of Alzheimer's in those at risk for the disease.
Researchers discover beta-amyloid blocks glutamate re-uptake in hyperactive neurons, causing false signals and impairments in signal processing. The soluble form of beta-amyloid dimers are responsible for the toxic effect, providing a new target for early treatment strategies.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that depression symptoms in cognitively healthy older individuals, combined with brain amyloid, can lead to changes in memory and thinking over time. The study suggests that depression symptoms could be a target for delaying the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
A new study found that dietary phosphatidylcholine intake was associated with a 28% lower risk of dementia in men. The study also showed enhanced cognitive performance in those with the highest intake of choline.
A new study of 38,537 persons suggests that the rare APOE-ε2 variant is associated with prolonged survival, contrasting with the more widely studied APOE-ε4 variant. The findings could lead to novel preventive and treatment options for healthy aging and longevity.
A new study found that FDG-PET scans are a better indicator of cognitive performance when compared to PET scans that detect amyloid protein. This suggests that FDG-PET is more precise in clinical studies and may be available for routine use at modest costs.
A new analysis of data on over 900 Baltimore adults has linked stressful life experiences among middle-aged women to greater memory decline in later life. The researchers found that women who experienced more stressful life events recalled fewer words and recognized less words during memory tests.
The University of North Carolina Health Care has received a five-year, $3.75 million grant to provide geriatrics training throughout North Carolina. The program aims to improve health outcomes for older adults by increasing rates of advance care planning and reducing chronic opioid use.
A new skin test using ultrasensitive technology may provide an early diagnosis of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, detecting misfolded proteins in skin samples. The RT-QuIC test is highly sensitive and specific, offering a promising tool for diagnosing and characterizing these neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at MIT developed a machine-learning model that can predict cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease up to two years in the future. This could help clinicians select candidate drugs and participant cohorts for clinical trials more effectively, ultimately leading to faster discovery of effective treatments.
Researchers have developed a blood test that can detect Alzheimer's disease with 94% accuracy when combined with age and genetic risk factor. The test measures levels of amyloid beta in the blood to predict brain changes, potentially allowing for earlier intervention.
Researchers from Peter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University found a substance that reduces the negative effect of mutations in genes related to neuronal contact formation. The discovery suggests promising compounds for anti-Alzheimer's drugs.
Researchers at UCI have developed a mouse model that allows for the study of human brain immune cells in unprecedented detail. The 'chimeric' mouse contains human microglia, enabling the investigation of Alzheimer's mechanisms and potential treatments.
Researchers discovered an association between liver function and Alzheimer's disease, finding evidence of metabolic disturbance and altered liver enzymes linked to cognitive impairment. The study used blood-based biochemical markers of liver function to uncover connections with established Alzheimer's biomarkers.
A $47 million grant will incorporate advanced brain imaging into the Alzheimer's Association's U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (U.S. POINTER) clinical trial. The study aims to determine whether lifestyle changes can protect memory in people at risk of developing dementia.
Researchers have found that basal meningeal lymphatic vessels function as the main plumbing pipes for cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and their integrity is impaired with aging. This study highlights the role of basal meningeal lymphatic vessels in the development of age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at UC San Francisco identified functionally distinct composite clusters of genes corresponding to synaptic transmission, metabolism, cell cycle, and immune response. These changes occurred extensively in AD patients and may help streamline clinical trials recruitment efforts.
Researchers have identified non-inherited somatic mutations in the brain that could contribute to Alzheimer's disease progression. These mutations were found to be associated with hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins, a hallmark of AD.
The UC Davis Alzheimer's Disease Center is participating in the U.S. POINTER study, a landmark trial examining the effects of lifestyle modifications on brain health. The study aims to expand research on slowing cognitive decline and will enroll 400 adults at risk for Alzheimer's over 18 months.
A new study uses amyloid positron emission tomography to track β-amyloid cerebrospinal fluid and monitor Alzheimer's disease progression over six years. The researchers found a significant correlation between β-amyloid levels and cognitive decline, providing valuable insights into the disease's progression.
Researchers found a human gene present in 75% of the population affects treatment response in Alzheimer's patients. The study suggests that different mechanisms work in different patients, requiring personalized treatments to improve outcomes.
A new study found apathy affects nearly half of people with dementia, distinct from depression, and linked to more severe dementia. Researchers highlight the need for effective treatments and improved care through personalized social interaction and staff training.
Researchers investigated the relationship between physical activity, β-amyloid levels, and cognitive decline in clinically normal older adults. Physical activity was found to be associated with reduced cognitive decline and lower β-amyloid levels, suggesting potential neuroprotective effects.
Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that women accumulate more tau protein in their brains than men, leading to a faster spread of the protein and increased risk for Alzheimer's disease. This sex-specific difference in tau spread may require tailored approaches for prevention and treatment.
Higher levels of daily physical activity may slow cognitive decline and brain tissue loss in people with high amyloid plaque in the brain. The study suggests that physical activity might reduce b-amyloid-related cortical thinning and preserve gray matter structure.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from cognitively normal participants who developed Alzheimer's and found an association between neuronal-enriched extracellular vesicles and the disease. The study suggests these biomarkers may play a role in Alzheimer's progression, potentially serving as diagnostic or monitoring tools.
A new therapeutic target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease has been discovered, with research identifying elevated levels of the protein SFRP1 in the brains and cerebrospinal fluid of patients. Inactivated SFRP1 function prevents disease progression in mouse models.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered a key gene interaction that fuels neuroinflammation, leading to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. CD33 and TREM2 genes regulate microglia activity, with CD33 acting as the 'on' switch for inflammation.
A large internet-based study found adults with a close relative with Alzheimer's disease exhibit impaired learning and memory, exacerbated by diabetes or genetic variations. Higher education levels and women appear to protect against cognitive decline.
A new study suggests that larger drug trials are necessary for Alzheimer's disease due to the limitations of current trials. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,120 people with no cognitive difficulties and found a consistent pattern of cognitive development in those who had beta-amyloid in the brain.
The Cleveland Alzheimer's Disease Research Center will accelerate research for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, supporting a wide range of studies and educating scientists and the public on dementia causes and treatment.
Researchers at Temple University Health System discovered that VPS35 clears the brain of a potentially harmful protein called tau, which accumulates in neurodegenerative disorders. The study found that altering VPS35 levels in individual neurons can directly control tau accumulation, implicating VPS35 in tauopathy.
Research finds that older brains have a higher rate of tau protein spread, contributing to Alzheimer's disease progression. The study uses gene vectors to demonstrate this connection in mice, raising questions about therapeutic options and disease mechanisms.
The LSU School of Social Work has been awarded a $3.73 million grant to improve the quality of life for Louisiana residents and families living with Alzheimer's disease. The program, LA-GWEP, will train social workers, nurses, and physicians in dementia-friendly integrated practice.
The OU Health Sciences Center has been awarded a $3.75 million federal grant to enhance dementia care in Oklahoma. The program aims to educate the workforce and create dementia-friendly health systems through partnerships with primary care clinics, nursing homes, and community organizations.
A new study found that low social engagement in elderly men and women is associated with greater cognitive decline over three years, particularly among those with high levels of brain amyloid-β. Researchers say social engagement may be an important marker of resilience or vulnerability in older adults at risk of cognitive impairment.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists identified a pathway called LC3-associated endocytosis (LANDO) that clears β-amyloid protein, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The discovery may lead to strategies for treating neurodegenerative disorders and malignant brain tumors.
A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet improved brain function and memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The modified Atkins diet showed small but measurable improvements on standardized tests of memory compared to a low-fat diet.
A study by University of Edinburgh scientists reveals that a protein called clusterin builds up in vital parts of neurons, disrupting brain cell connections and contributing to dementia symptoms. The findings shed light on the causes of Alzheimer's disease and will help accelerate the search for a treatment.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that age itself facilitates the spread of Alzheimer's-disease-associated protein tau in the brain. The study also identified increased vulnerability in specific brain regions, particularly the entorhinal cortex, which is where Alzheimer's-related tau pathology first appears.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have identified LIMK1, a serine/threonine kinase, as a promising target for interventions against Alzheimer's disease. The enzyme is linked to the degradation of dendritic spines, which may play a role in dementia progression.
Researchers found that seizures associated with Alzheimer's disease accelerate neurogenesis in adult brains, but administering anti-seizure medication restored normal dynamics and improved cognitive function. The findings suggest a possible explanation for the controversy surrounding neurogenesis in Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers at Lund University have developed a new blood test capable of detecting Alzheimer's disease with high accuracy. The test measures beta-amyloid in the blood and shows promise as a diagnostic tool for primary healthcare.
The study reveals Galectin-3 plays a key role in regulating immune response associated with Amyloid beta peptide. Researchers have identified genetic mutations linked to increased risk of Alzheimer's, and a potential therapeutic target for blocking galectin-3.