Articles tagged with Neurodegenerative Diseases
A new study found that children with four copies of the SMN2 gene who received pre-symptomatic treatment showed no symptoms, while untreated patients developed irreversible symptoms. The researchers recommend encouraging early intervention in childhood for these patients to avoid potential deficits.
Researchers from UCLA have developed a strategy to identify novel treatments for cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases by exploiting sex differences in the brain. The study provides a roadmap for disentangling the contribution of sex-specific factors, which can yield treatments optimized for each sex.
A new study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that telmisartan, a blood pressure medication, is associated with lower risk of Alzheimer's specifically in Black patients over 60. The study analyzed data from over 5 million patients and suggests that future clinical trials should prioritize minority populations to find or reinfor...
A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that analyzing patients' drawing tests can help diagnose Alzheimer's disease (AD) and distinguish it from dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The researchers discovered that DLB patients showed differences in speed-, pressure-, and pause-related features, whereas AD patients sh...
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring found that analyzing patients' speech can distinguish between different types of dementia. The research team developed a machine learning model using speech features to identify Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.
Researchers have identified a class of lipids called SGDGs that decline in the brain with age and may have anti-inflammatory effects. These findings could lead to new therapeutic interventions for age-related neurological diseases. Further research will be needed to explore the role of SGDGs in human neuroinflammation.
Researchers will investigate immune system differences between men and women to better understand neurodegenerative diseases. The study aims to identify why certain neurological diseases primarily affect males or females, and how this difference impacts disease progression.
Dr. Louise D. McCullough is being recognized for her groundbreaking research on sex differences in stroke and their impact on immune response, which has led to a greater understanding of the biology behind these differences. Her work has also shed light on the importance of including females in pre-clinical research.
A new study by Université Laval researchers has identified a link between insulin receptors in brain microvessels and Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that drugs targeting these receptors could be effective in treating the condition, expanding the range of potential treatments.
Scientists at NTU Singapore have found that a stress response in cells, when 'switched on' at a post-reproductive age, could be the key to slowing down aging. The study showed that this stress response extended the lifespan of roundworms fed a high-glucose diet.
A new study aims to diagnose severe neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and FTD with the help of speech tests. AI can analyze subtle nuances of speech patterns, including pauses, speed, and melodic aspects, to detect early changes.
Studies on prion diseases in mice reveal coordinated gene expression changes before symptoms appear, shedding light on selective vulnerability and potential treatment targets. Researchers predict disease progression using new methods, suggesting therapies may be more effective when applied early.
A recent study analyzed the records of over 33,000 dementia patients in Wales and found that those closest to their diagnosis were taking an average of three or more medications. This suggests a possible link between polypharmacy and the development of dementia.
A new CAPSTONE study aims to identify inflammatory biomarkers associated with positive and poor outcomes in patients after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) strokes. By analyzing patient blood and plasma samples, researchers hope to develop targeted treatments to prevent long-term brain degeneration.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that psychotic disorders like schizophrenia are associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. People with psychotic disorders are 2.5 times more likely to develop dementia than those without a psychotic disorder, according to the review.
Scientists have identified long interspersed nuclear element-1 (L1) RNA as a promising new target for treating progeroid syndromes. Increased L1 RNA expression in cells from patients with these disorders led to deactivation of an enzyme, causing cell aging.
Women are more susceptible to Alzheimer's disease due to higher expression of the enzyme ubiquitin-specific peptidase 11 (USP11), which drives increased accumulation of tau protein in brain nerve cells. Researchers hope to develop new neuroprotective medicines based on this finding.
Research reveals Alzheimer's disease genomic changes occur primarily in non-neuronal brain cells, rather than neurons. The study found a number of new genes not previously implicated in dementia, which could be targets for future drug development.
Researchers found mutated PKCγ enzyme leads to elevated activity, disrupting Purkinje cell function and driving cerebellar pathology. The study suggests inhibiting the enzyme may have therapeutic potential for spinocerebellar ataxia type 14 and potentially other subtypes.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a $10.7 million grant to Cleveland Clinic to expand a national research consortium focused on improving diagnosis and treatments for Dementia with Lewy Bodies. The consortium, which includes multiple clinical sites, aims to identify biomarkers for disease and develop new therapies.
Researchers have discovered that neurons with double-stranded breaks (DSBs) in their DNA actively trigger an inflammatory response, which is mediated by the activation of the NFkappaB transcription factor. This process elicits an immune response from microglia, leading to synaptic loss and cognitive function impairment.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that brain stimulation combined with a nose spray containing nanoparticles can improve recovery after ischemic stroke. The treatment increased cognitive and motor functions, and weighed more quickly than those treated with TMS alone.
A University at Buffalo-led study suggests the huntingtin protein is involved in neuronal injury and regeneration. The research found that HTT moves from the injury site to the cell body, carrying components necessary for survival.
A phase 3 clinical trial showed tofersen reduces SOD1 and neurofilament light protein levels, slowing down disease progression. Longer-term use may help stabilize muscle strength and control in people with genetic ALS.
Research findings suggest that aerobic fitness, cognitive processing speed, and walking endurance are strongly associated in individuals with thalamic atrophy. Aerobic exercise training may be beneficial in restoring function for those with this biomarker of neurodegeneration.
The Critical Path Institute (C-Path) has established a public-private partnership with the FDA and NIH to advance treatments for rare neurodegenerative diseases. The partnership will leverage C-Path's expertise in data management, quantitative analytics, and regulatory science to accelerate medical product development.
A team of researchers has designed in silico molecular probes to track the progress of a misbehaving protein linked to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and FTD. The probes can detect TDP-43 aggregates at high resolution, paving the way for early diagnosis.
Researchers established a novel strategy to treat Huntington's disease by converting the disease-causing form of the huntingtin protein into its disease-free form. This process maintains the original function of the protein, offering a new approach to tackle the neurodegenerative disorder.
Researchers have successfully visualized α-synuclein aggregates in the brains of patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) using a new positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent. The agent, 18F-SPAL-T-06, shows high specificity and potential for MSA diagnosis.
A team of researchers from Ritsumeikan University in Japan has elucidated the mechanism behind the liquid-solid phase transition of FUS protein that leads to ALS. They discovered a new therapeutic target, arginine, which suppresses FUS aggregation and could delay ALS progression.
A new study reveals that the protein CHIP can regulate insulin receptor signals more efficiently alone than in a paired state. This finding suggests that maintaining a balance between monomeric and dimeric states of CHIP is crucial for proper cellular function.
A new UCLA-led study has identified multiple new risk genes for Alzheimer's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) by combining new testing methods. The researchers used high-throughput testing to simultaneously test 5,706 genetic variants in 25 loci associated with Alzheimer's and nine loci associated with PSP.
A KAIST research team has discovered a new role for somatostatin, a protein-based neurotransmitter, in reducing the toxicity caused by Alzheimers disease. When somatostatin is met with copper and Aβ proteins, it attenuates the toxicity and agglomeration of metal-Aβ complexes.
A new study finds that COVID-19 infections may predispose individuals to developing irreversible neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The research also suggests that the virus can cause long-term neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in the elderly and other vulnerable populations.
A team of researchers has used advanced techniques to identify immature hippocampal neurons in significant numbers throughout the human lifespan. The findings resolve a long-running controversy over adult neurogenesis and provide insights into brain plasticity, memory, mood, behavior, and brain disorders.
Researchers have discovered pairing Spinraza with valproic acid (VPA) can boost its therapeutic effects without increasing toxicity. This approach allows for improved SMN protein production in SMA patients, leading to longer survival and better muscle function.
A new AI technology called in silico FOCUS analyzes cell images to predict therapeutic effect of drugs for neurodegenerative disorders like Kennedy disease. The technology has 100% accuracy and can analyze several hundred thousand cells in just a few minutes.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a low-cost ultrasound imaging method to study the relationship between Alzheimer's disease and the brain's vascular system. The technique, which provides high-resolution images of animal microvasculature, may aid in early detection of the disease.
Researchers found altered cell-mediated immune function in ALS patients and a novel treatment approach using bone marrow transplants. The study suggests that abnormal CD8 T-cell response contributes to motor neuron degeneration.
A recent study published in Movement Disorders found that a buildup of TDP-43 protein may be responsible for PD-related cell death. This discovery suggests a new cause of the disease and could lead to the development of new treatments.
A study by Stephen T. Casper examines how sports slang, such as 'punch-drunk,' influenced the conceptualization and treatment of brain injuries. The research reveals a culture that stigmatized sufferers and normalized male violence, making it difficult for medical professionals to diagnose and treat neurodegenerative disease.
Scientists identify PiT2-loop7 missense mutations causing inorganic phosphate dyshomeostasis, leading to primary familial brain calcification. The study reveals how these mutations affect PiT2 phosphorylation and membrane localization, reducing Pi transport activity.
Researchers from Mount Sinai found a significant connection between the immune system and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating neurodegenerative disease. The study analyzed mice and human samples using state-of-the-art technologies, revealing peculiar immune signatures that distinguish different forms of ALS.
A new muscle biopsy test could lead to an earlier diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The test targets transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) accumulation, which may be a biomarker for early ALS diagnosis.
Researchers found that walking enhances performance on cognitive tasks in 14 participants by increasing frontal brain function, while 12 others showed no improvement. This discovery highlights the flexibility of a healthy brain and has implications for understanding aging and neurological disorders.
A study published in JMIR Formative Research reveals that automated analysis of a common clinical drawing task can be used to estimate cognition in older adults from Japan and the USA. Researchers found that people with lower cognitive scores had more variability in their drawing speed, angle, and time spent paused during the task.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that Synapsology, a game-like dual-task exercise, helps maintain or improve cognitive and physical abilities in older adults aged 85-97. The study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, suggests that this cost-effective intervention can have a societal impact.
A recent study at UC San Francisco discovered that fragmented tau protein in diseased neurons could be a new target for existing drugs, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's. The researchers found that measuring the fragments in cerebrospinal fluid may help distinguish between different forms of dementia.
The JNM Molecular Imaging of Neurodegeneration Supplement provides an overview of molecular imaging techniques in neurodegenerative disorders. The supplement aims to improve early and differential diagnosis, as well as stratify and monitor therapy in these disorders.
A new study by Bar-Ilan University researchers reveals that synchronized brain activity is crucial for information transfer between brain regions. Increasing synchronization improves transmission and processing of information, while decreasing it impairs cognitive function. This finding may contribute to the development of treatments f...
A randomized controlled trial found that consuming cranberries for 12 weeks improved participants' memory of everyday events and neural functioning. The study also showed a significant decrease in LDL or 'bad' cholesterol levels, contributing to improved vascular health and brain perfusion.
Research on experimental drug NU-9 invents by Northwestern University scientists reveals it is more effective than existing FDA-approved drugs for ALS treatment. NU-9 also repairs the axons of diseased upper motor neurons in ALS mouse model, offering a potential new approach to treating the devastating disease.
A new circuit model provides an explanation for how deep brain stimulation (DBS) relieves Parkinson's disease motor symptoms by interrupting a vicious cycle between the subthalamic nucleus and the striatum. The model suggests that DBS restores a balance with other rhythm frequencies, enabling better movement control.
Researchers suggest a novel neuroimaging technique can unveil Alzheimer's disease secrets and predict symptom risk. The 'neuromelanin-sensitive MRI' method provides insights into the brain's noradrenergic system, linked to aggressive behavior and cognitive decline.
Researchers revived photoreceptor cells in human macula, responding to bright and dim lights. The study restores communication between retinal cells, transforming brain and vision research.
The authors of a Call to Action emphasize the value of incorporating patient perspectives in clinical Parkinson's disease studies and recommend how to include patient researchers effectively. Patient involvement can help design better studies, ensure tolerable protocols, and improve research outcomes. However, specific challenges must ...
Scientists have found that transplanting faecal microbiota from young mice into old mice can reverse hallmarks of ageing in the gut, eyes, and brain. The study suggests that gut microbes play a role in regulating some of the detrimental effects of ageing, offering a potential solution in the form of gut microbe replacement therapy.
Researchers discovered a novel mutation in the alpha-synuclein gene that causes severe Lewy body pathology, revealing distinct mechanisms of neurodegeneration. The E83Q mutation influences alpha-synuclein's structure and aggregation properties, leading to increased pathology formation and toxicity.
A new AI-based method distinguishes between stable and progressive cognitive impairment, enabling accurate diagnosis with an accuracy rate of 85%. This technique overcomes the complexity of subtle structural changes in mild cognitive impairment, contributing to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.
A Boston University study found that living in areas with more greenery may boost cognitive function, particularly in middle-aged women. The research suggests that exposure to greenspace could improve processing speed and attention, as well as reduce depression, a risk factor for dementia.