Research on Alzheimer's disease, from early signs to new therapies. Covers screening tools, brain damage mechanisms, risk factors, sleep, and drug targets.
Dr. Paul Lucassen's research on adult neurogenesis reveals the link between early life experiences, lifestyle factors, and depression/dementia risk. His work has implications for therapeutic approaches to brain health and disease.
A new study published at the Radiological Society of North America annual meeting found that individuals with obesity have a 95% faster increase in Alzheimer's disease biomarkers compared to non-obese individuals. Blood tests were more sensitive than PET scans in capturing the impact of obesity on Alzheimer's pathology.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has been associated with improved long-term clinical outcomes in insulin-treated older adults with diabetes and Alzheimer disease. This pragmatic trial aimed to assess the feasibility of CGM use in this population, highlighting its potential benefits for managing chronic conditions.
A new method developed by Penn State researchers improves the analysis of genetic data, identifying more genes associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS. The technique, BASIC, integrates both bulk tissue samples and single-cell data to uncover shared genetic effects across different cell types.
The USC Epstein Family Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute is leading the charge against Alzheimer’s with advances in blood tests and treatments. Researchers aim to develop effective preventive therapies within the next decade.
Researchers discovered that brain enzyme OTULIN regulates tau protein accumulation and has implications for treating neurodegenerative diseases. The study revealed OTULIN's role in controlling gene expression and RNA metabolism, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
A new meta-analysis published in Aging-US found a significant association between hospitalization for infections and the risk of developing dementia. Adults hospitalized with infections were at an increased risk of all-cause dementia, especially after a single infection-related hospitalization, which can speed up cognitive decline.
Researchers found that higher muscle mass combined with a lower visceral fat to muscle ratio tracks with a younger brain age. Building muscle and reducing visceral fat are actionable goals for improving brain health. The study used whole-body MRI and AI algorithms to quantify muscle volume, fat tissue, and brain age.
A cross-sectional study found that US population faces significant challenges with nervous system disorders, impacting 180.3 million people, mainly due to stroke, Alzheimer's disease, diabetic neuropathy, and migraine conditions.
Researchers found that oral arginine significantly reduces amyloid buildup and neuroinflammation, suggesting a safe and low-cost therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease. Arginine also improves behavioral performance and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine genes.
A new study by UC San Francisco combines genetic risk with cardiovascular disease risk factors to predict who is more likely to develop dementia. The expanded view may help those worried about dementia, as lifestyle changes and improved control of illnesses can reduce brain damage and potentially delay or prevent symptoms.
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that long-term pharmacological treatment improves memory alterations and inflammation in mice models for Down syndrome. The treatment targets the CB1 receptor, which is involved in neuronal connections and memory, and shows positive results even when age-related neurodegeneration is added.
Researchers from UT Health San Antonio discovered that changes in brain fats play a major role in Alzheimer's development and progression. Targeting microglia, the brain's immune cells, may help restore balance and support brain health. Progranulin levels also emerged as a key lipid regulator.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that lithium supplementation did not significantly improve cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. Alternative formulations like LIT-O may be a potential alternative to harness lithium's neuroprotective properties more efficiently.
Adults with higher levels of physical activity during midlife and late life have a lower risk of all-cause and Alzheimer's disease dementia. This cohort study, part of the Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort, found similar reductions in risk across different age groups.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have discovered a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease by targeting muscle protein Cathepsin B. The study found that increasing Ctsb in muscle tissue may offer protection against the effects of AD and promote brain cell growth, restoring protein balance and rebalancing brain activity.
A study by NTU Singapore researchers found that enlarged perivascular spaces, or 'clogged drains', in the brain are a likely early-warning sign of Alzheimer's disease. The condition can be visually identified on routine MRI scans, complementing existing methods to detect Alzheimer's earlier.
Researchers have successfully engineered functional brain-like tissue without animal-derived materials, opening doors to more controlled and humane neurological drug testing. The new material functions as a scaffold for donor brain cells and can be used to model traumatic brain injuries or neurological diseases like Alzheimer's.
A team from Tokyo Metropolitan University has identified a crucial precursor structure in the formation of tau protein fibrils, mirroring the crystallization of polymers. Dissolving these clusters prevents fibril formation, suggesting a new paradigm for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
A preclinical study from Weill Cornell Medicine investigators found that hypertension impairs blood vessels, neurons and white matter in the brain before causing a measurable rise in blood pressure. Gene expression changes in individual brain cells could interfere with thinking and memory.
The UT Health San Antonio Center for Brain Health is a $100 million facility that brings together clinical care, diagnostics and research under one roof. The center will redefine treatment of conditions including Alzheimer's, dementia, stroke and Parkinson's with multidisciplinary care teams.
Researchers have developed a chemical compound that degrades beta-amyloid plaques, reducing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The compound was tested on rats and showed promising results, including reduced memory loss and improved spatial awareness.
Researchers create new prediction model combining age, sex, genetic risk, and brain amyloid levels to calculate lifetime risk of developing memory problems. The study, published in The Lancet Neurology, found women have a higher lifetime risk than men, with the common APOE ε4 variant increasing risk.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that lecanemab treatment does not change short-term waste clearance function in Alzheimer's patients. The glymphatic system, which carries away metabolic waste like Aβ, is already damaged in AD patients, and treatment may not be enough to restore lost function.
Researchers at Penn State found that stress-sensitive type-one nNOS neurons regulate blood flow and neural activity in mice brains. Eliminating these neurons resulted in reduced blood flow and electrical activity, highlighting their critical role in brain function.
Researchers found a link between platelet aggregation and Alzheimer's biomarkers in midlife, suggesting a potential early warning sign. The study analyzed 382 participants and found that stronger platelet clumping was associated with higher levels of amyloid and tau proteins.
Researchers at UVA School of Medicine found that the breakdown of protective brain structures called perineuronal nets leads to social memory loss in Alzheimer's patients. Preventing the degradation of these nets may lead to new treatments to prevent or delay the disease.
A new study reveals that increasing NAD⁺ levels corrects RNA splicing mistakes, improving brain function and restoring memory in animal models of Alzheimer's disease. The researchers discovered a previously unidentified pathway involving the protein EVA1C, which plays a crucial role in correcting tau-related neuronal damage.
Researchers investigate Alzheimer's disease progression, revealing disrupted organizational patterns in the brain's precuneus and default mode network. Gray matter volume reductions and functional connectivity abnormalities are linked to cognitive decline, dementia severity, and functional impairments.
Researchers identified a PU.1-promoting subset of microglia that suppresses inflammation and protects cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer's disease. This discovery opens a new avenue for immunotherapies targeting microglial activity.
Researchers discover tiny antibody-like proteins from camels and llamas that can treat brain disorders like schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease with fewer side effects. The nanobodies are smaller than conventional antibodies, making them easier to produce and purify.
Researchers have identified a distinct population of neuroprotective microglia that may point to a new therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease. Microglia with reduced expression of PU.1 and co-expression of CD28 limit neuroinflammation and slow amyloid plaque build-up.
Researchers pinpointed the source of free radicals in non-neuronal brain cells that may fuel dementia. Blocking this site lowers brain inflammation and protects neurons, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative disorders.
A recent study from Houston Methodist reveals how Alzheimer's can disrupt the connection between nerves and blood vessels in fat tissue, worsening heart and metabolic conditions. The research highlights a potential link between neurodegeneration and cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
Researchers at OIST discover a common molecular cascade disrupting brain signaling in both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. They identify a shared mechanism affecting synaptic vesicle recycling, leading to impaired communication between brain cells.
A study found that following steps to improve cardiovascular health can reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia among people with Type 2 diabetes. Maintaining optimal cardiovascular health may protect brain health even for individuals with a high genetic risk for dementia.
A new study published in Nature Medicine found that increasing daily steps by even a little can help slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Cognitive decline was delayed by three years for people who walked 3,000-5,000 steps per day, and by seven years for those who walked 5,000-7,500 steps per day.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed an app that uses Apple Watch data to monitor sleep stages and predict Alzheimer's disease risk. The app, BIDSleep, collects heart rate data and feeds it into an AI model that accurately identifies sleep stages 71% of the time.
Researchers at UTA are exploring how guided cognitive training can improve brain performance, particularly in navigation and memory. The study found that functional brain changes support behavioral differences, rather than increased brain volume.
A new study published in Science finds CTE shares genetic similarities with Alzheimer's disease, including DNA damage and tau protein buildup in the brain. Researchers used single-cell genome sequencing to identify somatic mutations in neurons from patients with CTE, revealing abnormal patterns of damage similar to those seen in AD.
The BrainHealthy competition offers real-world experience to talented young brain health researchers. The contest aims to advance new studies on age-related brain changes, brain health biomarkers, and Alzheimer's disease.
The $100 million gift from Edward Fein Charitable Trust will accelerate research, education, and care for people with dementia at the University of California, San Francisco. The gift supports patients, families, scientists, and healthcare workers to improve understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers at the University of Connecticut have developed two fast tests for early markers of Alzheimer's disease using CRISPR technology. The tests recognize microRNA molecules associated with Alzheimer's, allowing for quick identification in doctor's offices.
A novel digital health program, WECARE 2.0, has been shown to enhance the physical and mental well-being of Chinese American dementia caregivers. Participants reported improved caregiving skills, reduced stress, and increased social support through user-friendly culturally-tailored interventions.
A new study by USC researchers reveals that short-term 'dynamic instability' in blood pressure is linked to loss of brain tissue and nerve cell injury in older adults. This phenomenon, where blood pressure fluctuates wildly from one heartbeat to the next, may be a key risk factor for brain shrinkage and neurodegeneration.
A small study found that five volunteers with late-onset Alzheimer's disease showed significant improvements in cognitive tests and decreased biomarker tau proteins after two years of receiving 40Hz light and sound stimulation. This suggests that the therapy may slow cognitive decline and have direct biological impacts on Alzheimer's p...
Alzheimer's disease disrupts the daily activity patterns of brain cells involved in removing amyloid plaques, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for treating the disease. Controlling these circadian rhythms could help prevent disease progression.
African nations are well-equipped to tackle dementia and brain health with the Africa Task Force on Brain Health. The six-year framework will accelerate preparedness and protect aging citizens.
Researchers at FAU Engineering have developed foot-mounted wearable sensors and a 3D depth camera that accurately measure how people walk, even in busy clinical environments. The study findings reveal that these technologies match the accuracy of traditional tools but are more scalable, remote, and cost-effective.
Case Western Reserve University researchers discovered pseudo leukotrienes, which may be the dominant players in the inflammatory cascade that causes disease. The findings open new avenues for treating asthma and other inflammatory diseases.
Researchers at UC Irvine found that amyloid precursor proteins form a complex with voltage-gated proton channels in human brain immune cells, altering their operation and promoting neuroinflammation. The study suggests two specific mutations linked to early-onset Alzheimer's further increase channel activity.
Researchers developed a computational tool to identify genetic vulnerabilities in memory-making brain cells linked to Alzheimer's. The 'seismic' algorithm integrates genetic data with single-cell RNA sequencing, revealing a detailed picture of affected cell types and their genetic programs.
Scientists discovered that the APOE4 gene blocks brain cells from using alternative energy sources as we age, significantly increasing Alzheimer's risk. This knowledge could pave the way for new treatments by targeting lipid metabolism.
Protein clumps associated with Parkinson's disease can actively break down ATP, draining brain cells of vital energy. Researchers discovered that these clumps transform into molecular machines when they bind to ATP, highlighting a new mechanism of damage.
A healthy microbiome promotes overall well-being, influencing areas like cognition, mood, immunity, and disease susceptibility. By incorporating proven dietary interventions, regular exercise, stress reduction, and adequate sleep, individuals can harness their microbiome for optimal health.
A team of scientists has created a detailed model of how cells regulate traffic through the nuclear pore complex, revealing that flexible protein chains create an entropic barrier that admits only properly escorted cargo. This breakthrough sheds light on diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, and ALS, where this transport system fails.
Researchers discovered a gain-of-function mutation in the TREM2 gene that impairs microglial function and increases risk for Alzheimer's disease. The study found that female mice with the T96K mutation had reduced microglial activity, leading to increased amyloid beta accumulation.
A new trial finds that empagliflozin and intranasal insulin safely improve brain health in people with mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer's disease. The medications target metabolic and vascular problems, improving memory, brain health, and blood flow.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that individuals living in socially vulnerable neighborhoods showed measurable differences in brain structure and function, including a thinner outer layer of the brain and white matter changes. These findings suggest that the environment in which people live can shape th...
Researchers at UCLA Health have identified a sex-chromosome linked gene that drives inflammation in the female brain, making women more susceptible to conditions like Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. Deactivating this gene and using diabetes medication metformin showed promising results in reducing symptoms in female mice.