Alzheimer's Progression: From Subtle Onset to Rapid Decline

A study of 84 cadaver brains reveals that Alzheimer's disease progresses in two phases, with somatostatin inhibitory neurons being particularly vulnerable early on. This discovery suggests that treatments targeting these neurons could be effective if administered early. The research, published in Nature Neuroscience, highlights how new tools and techniques are enhancing our understanding of Alzheimer's by providing detailed insights into individual brain cells. The findings indicate that the loss of inhibitory neurons may lead to a hyper-excitatory state, contributing to the disease's progression.