Articles tagged with Alzheimer Disease
A research team at Johns Hopkins University has identified a protein complex in the brain that causes cognitive decline and memory loss, providing a potential target for drug development. This discovery may help prevent Alzheimer's disease, which affects millions of Americans.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a new cell type called Blanes cells that play a critical role in shaping the output of the olfactory system. These cells selectively communicate with granule cells, leading to a disproportionate impact on the olfactory system's functioning.
Researchers discover that excessive amyloid-beta toxicity leads to functional heme deficiency, causing mitochondrial decay and oxidative damage. A new class of targeted drugs could soon be developed to address this underlying mechanism.
Researchers are testing LY450139, a gamma secretase inhibitor, to prevent amyloid plaque build-up and stop Alzheimer's disease progression. The study aims to determine the safety, efficacy, and optimal dosage of the drug in 45 participants.
A study of 3,297 elderly residents found that medications prescribed for high blood pressure were associated with a significantly lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Potassium-sparing diuretics showed the strongest link to reduced AD incidence, with increased potassium levels potentially playing a role.
Researchers found that a new experimental drug, AF267B, reversed key cognitive deficits and reduced pathological plaques and tangles in the brain of Alzheimer's patients. The treatment improved learning and memory abilities in mice with amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, but not in other brain regions.
Researchers found that people with smaller anterior cingulate cortex had higher levels of stress hormones, suggesting a potential cause-and-effect relationship. The discovery deepens understanding of ageing, depression, and Alzheimer's diseases, and may lead to treatments targeting reduced stress hormone levels.
Researchers at Canadian Institutes of Health Research find that bone marrow-derived microglia can efficiently destroy amyloid plaques, the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The discovery provides new hope for patients by highlighting a potential therapeutic approach to curbing plaque development and prolonging autonomy.
Frank LaFerla, a UCI neurobiologist, has made significant strides in understanding the molecular development of Alzheimer's disease. His work identified beta amyloid and its buildup as the trigger that marks the onset of memory decline, contradicting previous beliefs.
A study found that receptors on brain nerve cells bind to apolipoprotein E and glutamate, affecting memory formation. Efficient APOE levels may clog these binding sites, preventing glutamate from activating processes necessary for memories.
The $60 million ADNI study aims to identify biological markers for memory decline and Alzheimer's disease, utilizing serial MRI scans, PET scans, and biomarker measurements. Researchers will compare data from 800 adults aged 55-90 to develop standards for tracking memory decline progression.
A study published in Annals of Neurology found that brain scans can predict cognitive decline in normal older people, with lower glucose metabolism detected in the parietal and temporal lobes. The scans also predicted declines on memory tests, such as the DelRec test, suggesting a potential link to Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Florida Tech are developing ICT-based care systems to promote social connections and aging-in-place for caregivers. The project uses PocketPCs and Web interfaces to bridge time and space barriers.
Researchers used a fruit-fly model of Alzheimer's disease to examine the relationship between cell-division proteins and neurodegeneration. They found that abnormal expression of these proteins accompanied neuronal death in their fly model, which was prevented by blocking the cell cycle or feeding anticancer drugs.
A study found that Alzheimer's patients with a history of depression have more rapid cognitive decline and greater brain changes, including tangles and plaques in the hippocampus. The findings suggest that identifying potential mechanisms linking geriatric depression to AD may lead to new treatment strategies.
A study found that patients with depression had more tangles and plaques in the hippocampus, leading to a faster decline into dementia. Depression at diagnosis also predicted a greater rate of cognitive decline.
A large twin study found that genetic factors are highly influential in Alzheimer's disease development, with identical twins showing similar age at onset. The study suggests genes play a key role in disease timing, with concordance rates higher in women due to their greater longevity.
A large-scale study confirms that Alzheimer's disease has a significant genetic component, accounting for 79% of risk factors. The study analyzed data from over 11,800 twin pairs and found that identical twins showed only a 45% concordance rate for the disease.
A new study has identified a potential early warning system for Alzheimer's disease in patients with mild cognitive impairment. After 4-5 years of follow-up, researchers found that 42% of patients developed Alzheimer's disease and 15% developed other types of dementia.
A study suggests that Alzheimer's patients can recognize and appreciate music, with one patient singing old songs from her youth. The researchers believe a more musical environment could improve the lives of demented individuals, sparking interest from caregivers to share their experiences.
Researchers found a link between defective PAK enzyme signaling pathways and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. The study suggests therapies targeting the PAK defect could treat cognitive issues in both Alzheimer's and Down syndrome patients.
A study found nearly 78% of test subjects had neurofibrillary tangles in the substantia nigra, linked to increased gait impairment. The relationship was independent of dementia status and only affected gait.
New research reveals that blackcurrants' anthocyanins and polyphenolics have a protective effect against Alzheimer's disease in cultured neuronal cells. The effects are likely to be reproduced in the human body, potentially preventing or delaying the onset of the disease.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new compound that selectively inhibits pro-inflammatory proteins called cytokines by glia, slowing or reversing neuroinflammatory cascade progression. The compound also restored normal synaptic function and attenuated Alzheimer's-like behavioral deficits in mice.
A study of 1,740 adults aged 65+ found that regular exercise reduced the risk of dementia by 32%. The research followed participants for an average of 6.2 years and analyzed their physical activity levels in relation to cognitive function.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have successfully imaged the native state of apoE4, a key protein in Alzheimer's and cardiovascular diseases. This breakthrough has significant implications for developing future therapeutic interventions by providing a complete understanding of the protein's configuration.
Researchers found that individuals carrying the Epsilon4 allele showed reduced activation in the medial temporal lobe of the brain. This suggests that these individuals may be at risk for Alzheimer's disease and could potentially benefit from early interventions designed to delay or prevent its onset.
A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics has identified a genetic region on chromosome 10 strongly associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The researchers scanned over 1,400 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and found six genes within this region that may be involved in the development of the disease.
A new study verifies Namenda's effectiveness in slowing cognitive decline and improving daily activities in patients with severe Alzheimer's disease. The medication maintained its benefits when continued treatment was added to the original 28-week study.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a new method to track neuronal cell death in the hippocampus, a key memory center, which may lead to early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that 49% of Alzheimer's patients and 24% of mild cognitive impairment patients showed significant density decreases.
A 24-week open-label extension trial found memantine beneficial for patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease, maintaining clinically relevant benefits. The study showed an adverse event profile similar to the double-blind phase, supporting the drug's safety for long-term use.
Researchers identified two forms of mild cognitive impairment that progress at the same rate to Alzheimer's disease. Using 3D brain imaging, they found distinct patterns of brain damage in people with MCI-A and MCI-MCD, suggesting new avenues for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have discovered that astrocytes control blood flow in the brain, challenging the long-held assumption that neurons are the primary drivers. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of Alzheimer's disease, which may be more complex than previously thought.
Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease by combining gold nanoparticles with microwave radiation. The approach breaks up beta amyloid fibrils and reduces protein re-aggregation, offering hope for other neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Huntington's.
Research suggests that structural brain imaging can identify high-risk individuals for developing dementia, even before cognitive symptoms appear. People with severe amygdalar or hippocampal atrophy have the highest risk of developing dementia.
A recent study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found a significant link between genetic risk factors and myelin breakdown in the brain. The research suggests that assessing myelin health through MRI may help identify individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, allowing for targeted prevention strategies.
A newly isolated compound, nostocarboline, has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of cholinesterase, a brain chemical linked to Alzheimer's disease progression. Its potency is comparable to an existing cholinesterase inhibitor, and it holds promise as a potential treatment for mild to moderate forms of the disease.
Researchers have discovered new synthetic compounds that inhibit inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), an enzyme involved in brain cell death. These compounds, including a melatonin metabolite, prevent NO-induced brain damage by suppressing iNOS production.
A team of Canadian and American scientists reports the first-ever finding of elevated levels of creatine, a newly discovered agent of Alzheimer's, in brain tissue. The study used infrared spectroscopy to detect creatine directly in situ, revealing an overlooked aspect of energy disturbance in Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers used high-tech brain imaging and measurement of beta-amyloid protein fragments in cerebrospinal fluid to detect Alzheimer's disease. The study found that greater amounts of beta-amyloid containing plaques were associated with lower levels of amyloid-beta 1-42, a major component of amyloid plaques.
Researchers found that increased brain cell activity drives up levels of amyloid beta, a key ingredient in Alzheimer's plaques. Corresponding drops in amyloid beta levels occurred when brain cells' ability to send messages was dampened or blocked completely.
A study published in Neuron found that stimulating brain cells increases Aß levels, while blocking neuronal activity decreases them. Cognitive activity may also affect Aß plaque levels.
Researchers found that specific fragments of the apoE4 protein are neurotoxic and accumulate in mitochondria, leading to neuronal death characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Blocking interaction of these fragments with mitochondria may be a potential new strategy for inhibiting detrimental effects.
Researchers found that testosterone therapy significantly improved quality-of-life scores in men with mild Alzheimer's disease. However, the study's results do not warrant routine treatment and require further investigation before clinical decisions can be made.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that Alzheimer patients treated with testosterone showed significant improvements in quality-of-life scores compared to those receiving a placebo. However, there were no significant differences in cognitive skills.
Researchers have found that a specific immunization strategy targeting Abeta42 or Abeta40 can prevent amyloid deposition in mice, suggesting an effective approach for preventing Alzheimer's disease. However, this method may not be effective once existing deposits are established.
Researchers discovered that a Jekyll-and-Hyde enzyme plays a crucial role in Alzheimer's disease. Transient production of the enzyme p25 enhances learning and memory, whereas chronic expression impairs these cognitive functions. The study uses mice to demonstrate the dual effects of p25 on neural mechanisms.
Researchers found that resveratrol can prevent amyloid beta from killing neurons by blocking a key protein called NF-kB in microglia. This discovery singles out resveratrol as a promising therapeutic intervention for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that as Alzheimer's disease progresses, insulin receptors and the brain's ability to respond to insulin decrease. Insulin levels decline early on, leading to cell death and tangles in the brain.
Researchers have determined the structure of pre-fibril assemblies, smaller assemblies that may be toxic culprits in Alzheimer's disease. The findings provide a new clue to understanding how these molecules interact and may lead to designing molecules that prevent misfolding proteins.
A recent study published in European Journal of Neuroscience reveals that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) can provide protection against brain cell death by stimulating receptors EP2 and EP4. This stimulation results in increased cyclic-AMP (cAMP) levels, which reduces the toxic effects of amyloid-beta 1-42, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have engineered mice to respond to a therapy that lowers beta amyloid production, which forms senile plaques in the brain. Early treatment may be crucial in preventing plaque growth and improving outcomes for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered a brain imaging method to monitor Alzheimer's disease progression non-invasively using Pittsburgh Compound-B. This breakthrough allows for early diagnosis and monitoring of amyloid plaque deposits, which are thought to cause brain cell death.
A combination of brain scanning with a new imaging agent and cerebrospinal fluid analysis has shown promise in predicting Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found low CSF levels of amyloid beta 42 in patients with cognitive impairments, but also detected positive results in cognitively normal subjects.
Researchers used FRET and ALEX techniques to measure protein distances, shedding light on protein folding dynamics. The study aims to understand how proteins fold and unfold, holding key to Alzheimer's disease prevention and treatment.
Researchers have engineered mice to produce amyloid plaques in their brains, finding that treatment with drugs lowering Abeta production can prevent progression of Alzheimer's disease. However, treatment cannot reverse the disease. Early treatment with these drugs may be crucial in slowing or stopping its spread.
Research suggests that disruption of myelination is a key component behind childhood developmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, and schizophrenia. Incomplete inhibitory circuits may lead to impulsive behaviors, while fully functional excitatory circuits worsen psychiatric disorders.
Researchers found that people with early dementia tend to rely more on familiar information pathways due to poor attentional control. This can lead to struggles with everyday tasks that require processing multiple pieces of information.
A study of 229 individuals at heightened risk for Alzheimer's disease found that more than 90% supported allowing family consent for research participation in low- to moderate-risk studies. The majority also accepted higher-risk studies with caution, highlighting the importance of balancing individual concerns with societal needs.
A recent study found that 90% of adults with Alzheimer's disease would allow a family member to enroll them in studies with mild to medium risks. Surrogate decision-making for more invasive procedures like gene transfers and brain tissue sampling was also widely accepted, but participants were less willing to participate themselves. Th...