Research on Alzheimer's disease, from early signs to new therapies. Covers screening tools, brain damage mechanisms, risk factors, sleep, and drug targets.
The Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training (PACT) study, led by USF researchers, aims to delay the onset of dementia through computerized brain training exercises. With over $50 million in federal grant funding, the trial has enrolled 7,600 older adults and is expected to conclude in January 2028.
A new book by Swansea University researchers argues that attention impairments, rather than memory dysfunction, are a key aspect of dementia. The authors suggest that recognizing these changes could lead to earlier identification, improved diagnosis, and better care for those affected.
The Linda and Mike Mussallem Foundation has donated to USC's Keck School of Medicine to enhance clinical trials for individuals with Down syndrome at risk for Alzheimer's. This will increase domestic and international sites, accelerating the development of treatments specifically for this population.
Researchers found that exercise and aggressive cardiovascular risk reduction improved heart health, but did not produce measurable cognitive benefits over two years in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease. The study highlights a critical gap between vascular risk reduction and brain health.
Researchers at Lund University have developed a new blood marker that significantly improves the accuracy of Alzheimer's diagnosis. The study found that combining two biomarkers, p-tau217 and eMTBR-tau243, can identify people with established Alzheimer's disease with an accuracy rate of around 80%. This breakthrough reduces false posit...
A comprehensive protein atlas has been developed to understand the molecular underpinnings of neurodegenerative diseases. By analyzing protein levels, modifications, and interactions across six major diseases, researchers identified alterations unique to and shared between diseases, as well as distinct subtypes within individual diseases.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that older people with a genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease who consume relatively large amounts of meat have a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The study also shows that the type of meat is important, with a lower proportion of processed meat associated with a lower risk of de...
A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that high meat consumption is associated with better cognitive trajectories and lower dementia risk among individuals with the APOE 34/44 genotype. The finding contradicts previous expectations, highlighting potential clinical and public health relevance for this population.
A longitudinal study on individuals with Down syndrome reveals that cerebrovascular lesions do not follow a linear course, fluctuating and even decreasing over time. The analysis shows significant variability in the evolution of these lesions, particularly in regions already affected by Alzheimer's disease.
A new study found that over 155,000 US deaths between March 2020 and December 2021 were not officially recorded as COVID-19 deaths, highlighting critical gaps in the death investigation system. These unrecognized deaths disproportionately affected certain populations, including racial and ethnic minorities.
The Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Award Program is expanding its career development award to include neuropsychiatry researcher-physicians. This expansion aims to improve clinical trial enrollment and represent diverse patient populations affected by complex disorders.
Researchers Ansel Hillmer and Eric Webb have received the $100,000 Drs. Jane & Abass Alavi Mars Shot Research Award to advance imaging research in infection and inflammation for Alzheimer's disease. They aim to develop a PET radiotracer targeting CSF1R to diagnose and monitor brain inflammation.
Research suggests that amyloid beta and tau proteins compete for microtubule binding sites, driving Alzheimer's disease pathology. The microtubule nexus hypothesis proposes a unifying theory for the underlying cause of Alzheimer's, with potential therapeutic strategies targeting tau displacement from microtubules.
Researchers found that early adult drinking combined with stress leads to cognitive decline in middle age, with brains damaged beyond recovery. Heavy drinking rewires the brain's circuitry, impairing decision-making and increasing risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that patients with both conditions exhibited different neuropsychiatric symptoms, which could inform diagnosis and treatment plans. The study's findings may help clinicians better understand the complex disease course of patients with multiple disorders, including Alzheimer's and frontotemporal lobar degeneration.
Researchers at USC identified differences in early Alzheimer's disease-related brain changes across racial and ethnic groups, with Black and Hispanic participants showing higher levels of tau in key memory-related regions. The study highlights the need for more inclusive approaches to studying and diagnosing Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found elevated pTau levels in individuals with transthyretin amyloidosis and immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis, suggesting a new diagnostic approach for systemic amyloidosis. The findings may facilitate earlier detection and help confirm suspected cases.
Researchers developed a fast, non-invasive, and affordable diagnostic tool using retinal images to differentiate between ALS and Alzheimer's disease. The tool, based on polarized light analysis, accurately predicted disease severity and type with high accuracy.
Researchers created the most comprehensive single-cell atlas of epigenetic changes in the aging mouse brain, revealing how DNA methylation, genome structure, and gene activity change across brain regions and cell types. The atlas has already shown clear epigenetic differences between different age groups and allowed the development of ...
Researchers develop world's first DNA aptamer that binds to neurofilament light chain, a protein released into the blood with neurodegeneration. The aptamer, MN711, shows high affinity and specificity comparable to commercially available antibodies.
A University of Kentucky study has identified a distinct immune fingerprint in the blood of patients who develop amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) after treatment with lecanemab, the first FDA-approved drug to slow Alzheimer's disease progression. This finding could lead to a more personalized approach to Alzheimer's care an...
Researchers at Scripps Research have developed a blood-based approach that examines protein shape in the bloodstream, distinguishing cognitively normal individuals from those with Alzheimer's and mild cognitive impairment with high accuracy. The new test could help move diagnosis and intervention to an earlier stage.
A new study models brain aging and resilience over the lifespan, uncovering individual factors that affect cognition and identifying potential biomarkers of healthy brain aging. Researchers are now incorporating diverse data, including social and lifestyle factors, to create a broader picture of the aging brain.
A cancer medication, eFT508, has been shown to lower hyperconnectivity in early Alzheimer's disease by reducing amyloid-beta protein levels. This finding suggests a promising treatment avenue for memory loss in mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers discover enzyme ANKIB1 crucial for innate immune signalling, driving type I and type III interferon induction. This finding solves a long-standing puzzle in innate immunity and provides opportunities for new therapies for devastating diseases.
A new study reveals that tanycytes, specialized brain cells, play a key role in clearing the toxic tau protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that maintaining tanycyte health could be a way to slow disease progression.
A Mayo Clinic study found that women with abnormal Parkinson's-related protein levels accumulate Alzheimer's-related pathology faster, leading to faster disease progression. The study analyzed data from 415 participants and showed that women's brains progress up to 20 times faster than men's in this regard.
Researchers identified specific DNA-level changes in AD brains that affect oligodendrocyte function and tau protein levels. The study's findings may open new avenues for understanding neurodegenerative diseases and developing future therapies.
A pilot clinical trial suggests that low-dose oral lithium may help slow the decline of verbal memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, particularly those with evidence of amyloid beta. The study found that participants receiving lithium showed a slower rate of decline on a sensitive test of verbal memory.
A new commentary suggests that P3 peptide, a 'neglected cousin' of amyloid beta, may be a potential contributor to neurodegeneration and play a role in Alzheimer's disease progression. Research has shown that P3 can form amyloid deposits and interact with Aβ, potentially leading to increased toxicity and disease progression.
A comprehensive review argues that single-factor interventions in Alzheimer's disease are insufficient due to the complex interplay of multiple factors. The authors call for an integrated therapeutic approach, including multi-target therapies and precision medicine based on early biomarkers.
A global study synthesizes evidence on dementia inequities in Indigenous communities, highlighting their cultural strengths as neuroprotective resources. The authors recommend centering culture and community in brain health research to promote lifelong equity and strengths-based models of dementia care.
Researchers developed a new suite of neuropsychological tests suitable for Mandarin-speaking older adults, accounting for Chinese characters and cultural nuances. The tests show high stability and strong links to novel Alzheimer's disease biomarkers.
A minimally invasive surgical procedure called lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) is being explored as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease. By improving brain lymphatic flow, LVA may help reduce clearance of neurotoxins and alleviate symptoms.
A recent study found that superagers' brains exhibit increased neurogenesis, with active production of new neurons. This 'resilience signature' is linked to superior memory formation and processing. The study's findings have implications for understanding healthy aging, cognitive resilience, and the prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers identified over 70 medical conditions associated with Alzheimer's disease development, including endocrine/metabolic conditions like Type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that addressing these conditions in midlife may reduce Alzheimer's disease risk, and could lead to earlier interventions and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding the chemical process linked with Alzheimer's disease by observing real-time interactions between metals and proteins. They discovered a method to selectively grasp copper ions that promote protein aggregation, offering hope for potential reversible treatments.
Researchers found that noninvasive measures of brain blood flow and oxygenation are associated with hallmark brain changes in older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Higher values on these indicators were linked to lower levels of amyloid plaques and larger hippocampal volume, indicating a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.
A research team at Kumamoto University identified a plant-derived molecule, PGG, that breaks down transthyretin (TTR) amyloid linked to heart and nerve disorders. The study found PGG effectively disassembled amyloid fibrils without disrupting other types of protein aggregates.
Chronic sleep disruption persistently impairs social memory by differentially encoding oxytocin release in hippocampal CA2 during novelty encoding and prelimbic cortex during retrieval of familiar individuals. Restoration of PVN-OXT neurons enhances OXT release and produces sustained behavioral recovery.
A UT Health San Antonio researcher will study how microglia contribute to the spread of toxic tau protein in Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to clarify whether microglia act as barriers or accelerators in the cascade of the disease, potentially leading to new treatments.
Researchers developed a blood test to predict when Alzheimer's symptoms will start, using protein p-tau217 in plasma. The models predicted the onset of symptoms with accuracy, suggesting potential for preventive treatments.
Researchers developed a free-to-use software tool, PSBench, to verify the accuracy of artificial intelligence-based protein structure predictions. The database includes 1.4 million annotated protein models, verified by experts, and provides reliable information for building more accurate AI systems.
Researchers develop novel method to manipulate cell structures using weak magnetic fields and isotopes, bridging structural biology, biophysics, and quantum biology. This work offers a potential new strategy for stabilizing damaged brain proteins, typical of neurodegenerative diseases.
Scientists have discovered a mechanism that explains how exercise improves cognition by shoring up the brain's protective barrier. The study found that an exercise-induced liver protein strengthens the blood-brain barrier, reducing inflammation and cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease.
The JAX-NYSCF Collaborative and GSK are working together to develop human cellular models of neurodegenerative diseases. This collaboration aims to generate disease-relevant cellular models that can help scientists understand the underlying biology of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
A new study from Houston Methodist Research Institute finds that brain swelling during Alzheimer's treatment may indicate a stronger treatment response. Brain regions that swell have larger drops in brain plaques than areas that never swelled.
A large cohort study found that air pollution exposure increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in individuals who have experienced a stroke. The study suggests that improving air quality could be an important way to prevent dementia and protect older adults.
Researchers have identified astrocytes as a promising cellular target for Alzheimer's therapy. Senescent astrocytes, which lose functional capacity, are found in Alzheimer's patients' brains, leading to neuronal damage and inflammation. The study opens an avenue for therapeutic strategies like senolytic drugs.
The Global Exposome Forum is a global initiative that aims to understand the complex interplay between biological, chemical, and environmental exposures and human health. The project has partnered with national governments, scientific institutions, and large membership-led organizations to advance exposomics science.
The Biggs Institute will focus on finding solutions to dementia through advanced research, therapies, and care. The new precision therapy center will be named after the donors.
Researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health found a strong association between bone lead concentrations and increased risk of dementia. The study analyzed data from over 30 years of follow-up and estimated cumulative lifetime exposure to lead using machine learning algorithms.
Indiana University scientists have identified IDOL, an enzyme that removes amyloid plaques and improves communication between neurons in the brain. Targeting this enzyme may provide a new way to remove amyloid plaques and improve resilience against disease progression.
Researchers from FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and Mayo Clinic are working together to develop new treatments for Alzheimer's disease. They created a more accurate cellular model for brain disease research, combining brain organoids with immune cells, which showed promising results in reducing inflammation and lowering harmful protei...
A new study found that individuals with higher levels of lifelong learning developed Alzheimer's disease five years later than those with the lowest level of learning. Higher lifetime enrichment was also associated with a 38% lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and a 36% lower risk of mild cognitive impairment. The study suggests that pu...
Researchers discovered that levetiracetam prevents the production of toxic amyloid-beta 42 peptides and plaques in neurons. Administering the drug to high-risk individuals may slow cognitive decline and prevent Alzheimer's symptoms if started early, possibly up to 20 years before symptoms appear.
Rice University scientists create a detailed map of the Alzheimer's brain using hyperspectral Raman imaging and machine learning. The findings show that chemical changes are unevenly distributed across the brain and extend beyond amyloid plaques, revealing broader metabolic differences between healthy and diseased brains.
Researchers have developed an innovative endovascular brain-computer interface (EBCI) that enables precise and minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The EBCI can reach key deep brain regions involved in memory circuits, providing a natural implantation pathway for electrode delivery.
A new study found that patients with Long COVID have a larger choroid plexus, which tracks with Alzheimer's disease markers and greater dementia risk. The research also suggests that CP alterations may predict long-term cognitive issues in some individuals.
A new software tool developed by MIT researchers can reliably and finely resolve eight distinct nerve bundles in live diffusion MRI scans, shedding light on neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The BrainStem Bundle Tool (BSBT) reveals distinct patterns of structural changes in patients with these conditions.