Articles tagged with Neurodegenerative Diseases
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.