Articles tagged with Neurodegenerative Diseases
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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...
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.
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 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.
A new study suggests that existing drugs for multiple sclerosis may not be effective due to toxic blood leaks in the brain. Researchers have identified a promising alternative treatment option that could improve myelin repair, even in the presence of these harmful elements.
Researchers at UC San Diego have discovered the main components driving amyloid beta-associated synapse degeneration in Alzheimer's disease. They found that blocking a toxic signaling pathway can protect synapses and preserve cognitive function, offering a potential therapeutic agent.
The National Institute on Aging's $280 million investment in small businesses has advanced research on care interventions, diagnostic tools, and therapies for Alzheimer's disease. This funding has enabled the commercialization of technologies such as ActivePERS and PrecivityAD, which aim to improve care and diagnosis.
Scientists discovered a new mitochondrial recycling pathway that may help prevent Parkinson's disease. The study, published in Science Advances, reveals that genes associated with Parkinson's disease play key roles in this process and that disruptions can contribute to neurodegeneration.
Researchers at The Francis Crick Institute successfully reversed a key hallmark of motor neurone disease by blocking the activity of an enzyme called VCP. This breakthrough, published in Brain Communications, suggests that the abnormal accumulation of proteins involved in RNA regulation might be a factor contributing to the disease.
Researchers identified a genetic mutation in nonhuman primates that closely resembles Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, a rare and progressive disorder affecting the central nervous system. The discovery was made possible by a massive genomic database built at OHSU's Oregon National Primate Research Center.
A recent study discovered that brain cells cannot maintain the myelin sheath in the absence of the TDP-43 protein. Restoring cholesterol levels has been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases associated with TDP-43. The research found that oligodendrocytes, responsible for producing myelin, have def...
A study found that Scottish male former professional soccer players at midfield and defensive positions had a higher risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. The research also suggested that longer careers were associated with an increased risk, particularly among those playing in the 1990s and 2000s.
Researchers at City of Hope developed a powerful miniature brain platform to study the causes of Alzheimer's disease and test dementia drugs in development. They used human stem cell technology to model sporadic Alzheimer's disease, finding that exposure to serum from blood can induce multiple symptoms.
Researchers mapped the molecular mechanisms of primate hippocampal aging, identifying key cell types and molecules affected by age. The study provides a valuable resource for diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases.
Yanhong Shi and her team are developing an autologous treatment for Canavan disease using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, which has shown promising results in preclinical studies. The goal is to correct the genetic mutation that causes the disease by introducing a functional ASPA gene into brain cells.
Researchers identified an immune component, STING, linked to Niemann-Pick disease type C, a condition with no effective treatments. The discovery suggests a new therapeutic target for the disease and offers hope for treatment with immune inhibitors.
Researchers at EPFL Brain Mind Institute discovered that minis, miniature release events of neurotransmitters, play a crucial role in maintaining healthy synapses. Increasing the frequency of minis kept synapses intact and preserved motor ability in middle-aged fruit flies.
A Rutgers researcher found that penicillin alters the microbiome and gene expression in key brain areas, potentially leading to neurodevelopment problems. This study suggests reducing antibiotic use or alternatives could prevent these issues.
The German Research Foundation has extended funding for two Göttingen Collaborative Research Centres, CRC 1073 and CRC 1286, to further their research on atomic scale control of energy conversion and quantitative synaptology. The CRCs will receive around ten million euros per year over four years.
A new study finds that low serum levels of the sugar N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) are associated with progressive disability and neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that GlcNAc deficiency may promote disease progression, providing potential avenues for identifying patients at risk.
Scientists found that LCH is caused by senescent cells with a BRAF mutation, leading to inflammation and organ damage. A new study suggests using senolytics to treat the disease, offering hope for patients who have not responded to chemotherapy.
A recent NIH study has identified a diverse range of motor neurons along the spinal cord that govern movement, including subtypes susceptible to neurodegenerative diseases. The research provides an atlas of 21 neuron types, offering new understanding of how these neurons control movement and contribute to organ systems.
A new protein, AIF3, is produced in the brain after a stroke and triggers cell death, providing a potential therapeutic target for preventing or delaying neurodegenerative diseases. Defective splicing of AIF leads to its production, causing mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death.
Scientists at IRB Barcelona have found that Lafora bodies accumulating in glial cells, not just neurons, are responsible for the disease's progressive degeneration. This discovery could lead to new treatments and insights into other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Northwestern University have visualized the 3D structure of the Mediator-bound pre-initiation complex (Med-PIC) in human cells, revealing its role in regulating gene expression. The complex, consisting of 26 subunits, helps position RNA polymerase II and general transcription factors to transcribe specific genes.
Researchers found that complement inhibition can reverse mental losses after traumatic brain injury, even when treatment is delayed until two months post-injury. The study showed that blocking complement interrupted neurodegeneration and improved cognitive function.
Researchers have identified a new signaling pathway that regulates the production of RNA-protein complexes in neurons, which are overproduced in neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and senile dementia. This discovery may lead to better understanding and potential therapeutic options for these conditions.
Scientists at Northwestern University have identified a compound that eliminates degeneration of upper motor neurons in ALS, a neurodegenerative disease. After 60 days of treatment, diseased brain cells regain health and function like healthy control neurons.
Researchers have identified ferroptosis resistance as a critical issue in cancer treatment, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies. The study integrates current understanding of signaling mechanisms to develop targeted treatments for therapy-resistant cancers.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism of action by which abnormal proteins cause indirect damage to neurons, leading to dendrite defects in fly models of neurodegenerative diseases. The study identifies a problematic transcription factor called NF-κB, which becomes improperly regulated due to the presence of abnormal proteins.
A build-up of cellular trash in the brain can cause neurodegeneration and death. Researchers found that Wipi3, a protein involved in alternative autophagy, is essential for preventing toxic iron accumulation.