Alzheimer's Disease News and Research

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Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks of daily living. In most people with AD, symptoms first appear after age 60. AD is the most common cause of dementia among older people, but it is not a normal part of aging. Dementia refers to a decline in cognitive function that interferes with daily life and activities. AD starts in a region of the brain that affects recent memory, then gradually spreads to other parts of the brain. Although treatment can slow the progression of AD and help manage its symptoms in some people, currently there is no cure for this devastating disease.

Amyloid-β and tau disrupt brain activity, driving early cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s risk

Researchers discover how amyloid-β and tau pathologies interact to drive early neurophysiological changes and cognitive decline in older adults at risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

20 Sep 2024

Plasma pTau181 predicts Alzheimer’s progression in real-world memory clinic patients

Researchers confirm plasma pTau181 is a strong predictor for Alzheimer's in patients with mild cognitive impairment, offering a less invasive diagnostic tool for early intervention.

20 Sep 2024

New biomarkers offer hope for early detection and prevention of Alzheimer's

The failure to diagnose Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia in the elderly, at an early stage of molecular pathology is considered a major reason why treatments fail in clinical trials. Previous research to molecularly diagnose Alzheimer's disease yielded "A/T/N" central biomarkers based on the measurements of proteins, β-amyloid ("A") and tau ("T"), and "N" encompassing neurodegeneration. A/T/N can be measured in brain tissue, by in vivo brain imaging techniques, and by analysis of cerebrospinal fluid and plasma.

18 Sep 2024

Leptin variations may influence brain health and dementia development

New research is more closely linking obesity to dementia. Higher levels of leptin, a hormone that helps maintain normal body weight, is associated with better signal-transmitting brain white matter in middle-aged adults, according to a study by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio).

18 Sep 2024

Study helps explain why having ApoE4 increases risk of neurodegeneration

A new study helps explain why having ApoE4—the gene variant most closely linked to Alzheimer's disease—increases the risk of neurodegeneration and white matter damage.

18 Sep 2024

Study links diabetes drugs to lower risk of dementia and Parkinson's disease

A class of drugs for diabetes may be associated with a lower risk of dementia and Parkinson's disease, according to a study published in the September 18, 2024, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

18 Sep 2024

Understanding brain activity shifts in Alzheimer’s disease

Amyloid-beta and tau proteins have long been associated with Alzheimer's disease. The pathological buildup of these proteins leads to cognitive decline in people with the disease.

18 Sep 2024

Genome-wide association study identifies genetic risk factors for dementia

In landmark research, scientists at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) have reported the largest-ever genome-wide association study of dementia from all causes, revealing an overlap of genetic risks including neurodegeneration, vascular factors and cerebral small-vessel disease.

18 Sep 2024

The Key Role of iPSC-Derived Microglia in Research and Drug Discovery

Dr. Tilman explains the functions of iPSC-derived microglia and their relevance to conditions like Alzheimer’s.

From Axol Bioscience Ltd 17 Sep 2024

Wearable sensors developed to detect brain disorders through eye movement

A University of Houston engineering team has developed wearable sensors to examine eye movement to assess brain disorders or damage to the brain.

16 Sep 2024

Researchers seek early Alzheimer's detection with MRSI

University of Virginia professor Mathews Jacob has secured a $3.9 million grant to advance his innovative research on detecting Alzheimer's disease in its early stages. Jacob, who specializes in electrical and computer engineering, is teaming up with researchers from the University of Iowa and the University of California-San Francisco to push the boundaries of imaging technology that tracks the brain's metabolic changes -; offering a fresh perspective on studying neurodegenerative disorders.

14 Sep 2024

Scientists develop selective therapy for tau tangles

Scientists have developed new potential therapies that selectively remove aggregated tau proteins, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease, and improve symptoms of neurodegeneration in mice.

14 Sep 2024

New biomarker helps differentiate Alzheimer’s from primary 4-repeat tauopathies

A new biomarker makes it easier to distinguish between Alzheimer's and primary tauopathy.

13 Sep 2024

Genetics of Alzheimer's disease and dementia in African populations presented at Nairobi conference

Regions of the genome associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia in African populations will be presented at the Future of Dementia in Africa conference on September 11-12, 2024.

12 Sep 2024

Study links protein increases to cognitive improvement in Alzheimer's

A study published in the journal Brain shows that increases in protein levels with new Alzheimer's drugs can explain the slowing of cognitive impairment at least as well as the reduction in amyloid plaques.

11 Sep 2024

Light pollution may elevate Alzheimer's risk

Outdoor light at night could be a significant risk factor in Alzheimer's disease, according to new research from Rush.

11 Sep 2024

Study reveals shared and unique molecular markers across multiple forms of dementia

Researchers have for the first time identified degeneration-associated "molecular markers" – observable changes in cells and their gene-regulating networks – that are shared by several forms of dementia that affect different regions of the brain.

11 Sep 2024

Trauma exposure linked to accelerated brain age and Alzheimer's risk in women

As the median age of our population rises, so does the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. With advances in technology, it's easier to determine brain age and identify blood-based Alzheimer's disease biomarkers.

11 Sep 2024

NIH funds study to assess wearable sleep trackers for Alzheimer's prediction

The National Institutes of Health has awarded Joyita Dutta, professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, $3.9 million over five years to study if wearable sleep trackers can predict blood biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in at-risk individuals.

11 Sep 2024

Study finds link between nighttime light exposure and increased Alzheimer's disease risk

Higher nighttime light intensity is correlated with increased Alzheimer's disease prevalence, suggesting light pollution may influence neurodegenerative risks.

10 Sep 2024