New Discoveries in Alzheimer's Research: Identifying Vulnerable Neurons and Developing Potential Treatment

Researchers have identified a subset of neurons in the mammillary body of the hypothalamus that are susceptible to hyperactivity and neurodegeneration, leading to memory impairment associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The lateral mammillary body neurons become hyperactive and undergo neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease, while the medial mammillary body neurons do not. Treating these neurons with a drug currently used in the treatment of epilepsy reverses memory impairments caused by this hyperactivity and neurodegeneration. The findings suggest that this region may contribute to some of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, making it a good target for potential new drugs to treat the disease.