Articles tagged with Neurodegenerative Diseases
Research shows that stable basal ganglia activity is essential for smooth movements, as disrupting this activity leads to unstable and involuntary movements. The study used a chemogenetic tool to suppress neural activity in the subthalamic nucleus of macaque monkeys, inducing abnormal movements.
Researchers found plasma neurofilament light levels were elevated in all types of frontotemporal dementia, and in people who had mutations but hadn't shown symptoms yet. Higher levels of the protein were associated with greater disease severity and increased just before symptom onset.
The 29th annual CNS meeting will feature scientific talks, posters, and receptions, with a focus on the latest advances in cognitive neuroscience. Registered press members will have access to these sessions, as well as a quiet Press Room, while COVID safety protocols are in place.
A groundbreaking system implanted directly on the spinal cord has restored blood pressure regulation in a patient with multiple system atrophy-parkinsonian type (MSA-P), enabling them to walk again after being bedridden for over a year. This innovative therapy paves the way for new clinical breakthroughs in treating degenerative diseases.
A study reveals that Alzheimer's patients experience lethargy due to the degeneration of neurons that keep them awake, not a lack of sleep. Researchers developed a hypothesis that these patients have trouble staying awake and are testing a treatment approach to shut down the system keeping them awake.
Researchers have identified 75 regions of the genome associated with Alzheimer's disease, including 42 novel regions. The study confirms the importance of pathological processes such as amyloid peptide production and tau protein function in the disease. A genetic risk score has also been devised to better evaluate patient risk.
Researchers have engineered probiotic bacteria to produce the dopamine precursor L-DOPA, a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease. The new approach eliminates side effects and reduces treatment complications, offering a promising alternative to existing treatments.
A genetic disease in children, CHARGE syndrome causes intellectual disability, attention deficit disorder, and autism. The INRS team is studying the gene's impact on brain development to identify potential treatments.
Researchers at Insilico Medicine have used AI to identify potential targets that are implicated in multiple age-related diseases and also play a role in the basic biology of aging. The study resulted in the identification of 69 high-confidence targets with potential high druggability.
Researchers have found a possible target for ALS treatment in astrocyte abnormalities. Astrocytes, a subtype of cells in the central nervous system, are involved in motor neuron death, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. The study offers hope for developing new drugs to block this process.
The Experimental Biology (EB) 2022 meeting features live presentations and a moderated Q&A session on groundbreaking studies. The virtual press conference reveals potential treatments for Parkinson's disease, COVID-19 vaccine-associated side effects, and alleviating food allergies.
A new study found that excessive daytime napping among seniors is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. After a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's, daytime napping duration triples, suggesting that the brain's wake-promoting neurons may be affected by dementia pathology.
Researchers at UC San Francisco have identified five genes that enable efficient sleep, contrasting with current thinking that lack of sleep accelerates neurodegeneration. These genes may confer protections against neurological disease and improve sleep quality, paving the way for new treatments.
Researchers found a strong connection between retinal layer thickness and brain volume, suggesting retina assessments as a potential biomarker for brain atrophy. Thinner retinal layers correlated with reduced brain white matter and hippocampus volume.
A study found that intact astrocyte networks are essential for neural homeostasis, synaptic plasticity, and spatial cognitive abilities in adult mice. Disrupting these networks impairs spatial learning and memory due to altered neuronal excitability and compromised synaptic transmission.
Scientists successfully revive motor neurons in laboratory experiments, showing promise for ALS treatment. The method uses magnetic field pulses to improve nerve function and transport, with healthy cells remaining unchanged.
A pioneering UK study has found that hearing loss and epilepsy are early features of Parkinson's disease, appearing up to ten and five years before diagnosis respectively. The research, conducted on a diverse population in East London, also uncovered novel risk factors for the condition.
Researchers discover a genetic mechanism linking ALS and dementia to UNC13A protein corruption, providing hope for new treatments by blocking corrupted instructions. The study found that genetic variants increase the risk of UNC13A mRNA corruption in patients with ALS and FTD.
Researchers found that modulating immune cell activity via TREM2 receptor may impact neurodegenerative disease processes. Hyperactive microglia were shown to retain certain neuroprotective functions, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that certain stem cells have built-in tracers made of sugars that can track their movement in living tissues. The discovery could streamline and advance restorative research for diseases of the brain.
A new cloud-based data resource has been developed to help identify new subtypes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurological disorder. The tool, part of the Answer ALS collaborative effort, uses biological and clinical data from over 1,000 patients to better understand the disease.
Scientists have identified a new tool to control the movement of motor proteins in neurons, which could lead to new treatments for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that the GSK3β enzyme can act as a stop switch for kinesin 1 motors, preventing them from detaching from microtubule tracks.
Researchers have identified nine new factors involved in DNA repair, a critical process for human cell health. The findings can help develop new cancer drugs and improve existing therapies.
Researchers found that astrocytes become pro-inflammatory and lose protective functions in ALS, leading to toxic build-up of glutamate that damages motor neurons. The study also identified distinct molecular patterns in astrocytes associated with different ALS-causing genetic mutations.
Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to strengthen brain networks between spared regions, improve grey-matter volume, and enhance movement control in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The study published in Annals of Neurology suggests that exercise can stimulate compensatory capacity in the brain, leading to reduced symptoms.
A green Mediterranean diet rich in polyphenols and low in red and processed meat may slow age-related brain atrophy. The DIRECT PLUS 18-month trial found significant attenuation of brain atrophy among participants who adhered to both diets.
A study found that consuming more than 7 grams of olive oil per day is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative, and respiratory disease mortality. Replacing margarine, butter, mayonnaise, and dairy fat with olive oil was also linked to improved health outcomes.
A recent study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that regular exercise enhances the connections between neurons in older adults, maintaining healthy cognition. The research, led by Kaitlin Casaletto and William Honer, suggests that physical activity may help boost synaptic functioning and safeguard against dementia.
A UMass Chan clinical trial demonstrates the safety and efficacy of an antisense oligonucleotide in suppressing mutant C9ORF72, a common cause of familial ALS. The treatment led to reduced levels of neurotoxins and stable or improved ALS functional scores.
Researchers found high levels of toxic metabolites produced by gut bacteria in MS patients' cerebrospinal fluid and plasma. The discovery suggests a potential therapeutic target for developing new MS therapies.
A recent University of Waterloo study shows that wearable biosensors can provide insight into patterns of health-related behaviour and disease symptoms, enabling remote monitoring of people with complex health conditions. The study found that participants were willing to wear multi-sensor devices for extended periods, highlighting the ...
Researchers have identified a new molecular component of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) pathological aggregates, a circular RNA called circ-Hdgfrp3. This circular RNA plays a crucial role in the formation and progression of ALS, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Researchers found that the SARS-CoV-2 N-protein accelerates the formation of amyloid fibrils in test tube experiments, interacting with α-synuclein protein. This interaction may contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease in COVID-19 patients.
Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that PQBP1 interacts with Tau protein to drive an immune response in the brain. The study reveals a mechanism of inflammation that functions in both viral infection and neurodegenerative disease.
Researchers developed a new technology that tracks thousands of cells and determines the precise moment of death for any cell in the group. The approach was shown to work in rodent and human cells as well as within live zebrafish, and can be used to follow cells over weeks to months.
A new study developed by researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that a simple, self-administered test can identify early signs of dementia sooner than the most commonly used office-based standard cognitive test. The Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE test) accurately identified patients with mil...
The study, published in Nature Aging, found that sildenafil reduces the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease by 69% compared to non-users. Sildenafil also shows promise in treating the disease by increasing brain cell growth and decreasing hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins.
A new Northwestern study reveals that brain motor neurons degenerate early in diseases like ALS, sending warning signals and showing defects. Targeting the brain's motor neurons could lead to long-term and effective treatment strategies.
Researchers discovered that under stress conditions, proteasome molecules assemble into structures that induce cell death, a process linked to apoptosis and potentially preventing cancer. The study highlights the importance of understanding the normal functioning of cells and their connections to cancer development.
Researchers discovered that eliminating α-endosulfine (ENSA) or blocking its function reduces brain changes and improves memory in mice. ENSA blocks a potassium channel, which, when blocked, combats excess ENSA levels associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that people with brain buildup but no dementia had normal tau protein, while those who developed plaques or tangles also had a different-handed form of tau. This suggests that a slowdown in autophagy, the process of clearing spent proteins, may be underlying cause of Alzheimer's disease.
Young veterans with mTBI experience premature cognitive decline in specific domains, matching elder normative scores and early-stage Parkinson's patients. The study highlights the significant negative impact of mTBI on cognitive function compared to healthy non-veterans.
A new research study reveals the emotional responses and coping strategies employed by family members of former athletes living with neurodegenerative disease. The study sheds light on the challenges faced by these families, who are often under immense strain, and calls for further support and care.
Researchers have used advanced microscopy to study the ultrastructure of huntingtin inclusions, revealing different mechanisms of aggregation that lead to distinct biochemical properties. The findings suggest targeting inclusion growth as a potential therapeutic strategy for slowing Huntington's disease progression.
Researchers identified a significant vascular defect in patients with moderately severe Parkinson's disease, which may explain earlier study findings and provide a new target for therapeutic intervention. The discovery highlights the blood-brain barrier's crucial role in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.
A new study investigates the effects of cord blood cell transplantation and curcumin administration on Tay-Sachs disease. The results show an increase in enzyme production and a decrease in inflammation after transplantation, as well as improved symptoms and reduced GM2 ganglioside levels when combined with curcumin.
Researchers found that Alzheimer's disease develops by replicating aggregates in individual brain regions, rather than spreading them. The study used human data and PET scans to track the aggregation of tau protein, a key player in the disease.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes discovered that non-convulsive epileptic activity drives chronic brain inflammation in Alzheimer's models, which can be reversed by eliminating protein tau or using the anti-epileptic drug levetiracetam. This link between brain networks and immune cells may hold promising treatments for Alzheimer's di...
A new study published in iScience reveals that fat cells play a central role in cognitive decline and neurodegeneration by controlling the systemic response to brain function. Targeting fat cells may improve outcomes for neurodegenerative disorders, according to researchers at Marshall University.
Researchers at University of Cambridge have developed lab-grown mini brains that can mimic the development of motor neurone disease and frontotemporal dementia. The models, grown for up to 340 days, provide valuable insights into early stages of these devastating conditions.
Researchers at GIST create an optical technique called optical speckle image velocimetry that can image dynamic changes in cerebral blood flow, allowing for the diagnosis of brain health. The technique provides high-time resolution and measures both speed and direction of blood flow.
A study in rats found that a diet of highly processed foods led to inflammation and behavioral signs of memory loss in the brain. Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acid DHA prevented these effects almost entirely. The study suggests that limiting processed foods and increasing DHA consumption may help prevent rapid memory decline in old...
A UCL-led research team has identified an anti-viral gene that increases the risk of both Alzheimer's disease and severe Covid-19. The study found that a specific variant of the OAS1 gene amplifies inflammation in the brain, highlighting the importance of the immune system in both conditions.
Scientists at the University of California San Diego have discovered that planar cell polarity is a widely used mechanism for forming and maintaining glutamatergic synapses. The study found that Prickle protein plays a crucial role in stabilizing these synapses, which are essential for neuronal communication.
An international team led by McGill University is developing biomarkers to identify people with REM sleep behavior disorder at risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and dementia. The team will study over 430 participants, including those with the disorder and healthy controls, to develop targeted therapies.
A new study found that ketone supplements enhanced blood flow to the brain and improved aspects of cognitive function, such as working memory and processing speed, in adults with obesity. This suggests that ketone supplements may be a novel therapeutic strategy for protecting and improving brain health in people with obesity.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified 14 genes that can cause and three that can prevent weight gain, offering a promising lead in developing new treatments for obesity. The findings were made using a worm model of obesity and automation to test hundreds of genes.
A team of scientists developed a new method to study the effects of reactive electrophiles in the body. By targeting specific proteins with electrophilic compounds, they discovered novel mediators involved in immune-cell apoptosis triggered by Tecfidera, a multiple sclerosis treatment.
The Vilcek Foundation has awarded four prizes worth $250,000 to foreign-born scientists in the United States. The prizes recognize outstanding career contributions to biomedical science and innovative research. This year's recipients include Vishva M. Dixit, Markita del Carpio Landry, Hani Goodarzi, and Harris Wang.
The Cleveland Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center will receive funding to accelerate research on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The center aims to develop individualized treatment approaches for individuals with aging-associated brain disorders.