Tag

Neurodegeneration

All articles tagged with #neurodegeneration

science8 days ago•6 min saved

Retinal Chlamydia pneumoniae Tied to Faster Alzheimer’s Progression

A Cedars-Sinai study found the pneumonia-causing bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae in the retina, with higher bacterial loads in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease; the bacteria may amplify brain pathology by triggering the NLRP3 inflammasome, increasing inflammation and amyloid beta, and the retina could serve as a noninvasive biomarker for disease status while anti-inflammatory or antibiotic strategies are being explored, though questions remain about how and when infection occurs.

via Indian Defence Review|

#alzheimers-disease #chlamydia-pneumoniae #inflammation

science8 days ago•5 min saved

Air Pollution May Directly Accelerate Alzheimer's Risk, Study Finds

A large observational study from Emory University analyzing about 27.8 million US seniors over 18 years links higher 5-year average PM2.5 exposure to increased Alzheimer's disease risk, suggesting direct brain effects beyond traditional risk factors. Using ZIP-code pollution estimates, the researchers found a strong association even after adjusting for comorbidities, with stroke appearing to heighten vulnerability. While causality can’t be proven, the findings support the public health case for reducing air pollution to help lower dementia risk.

via ScienceAlert|

#air-pollution #alzheimers-disease #neurodegeneration

health9 days ago•5 min saved

Late-Life Depression Linked to Early Parkinson's or Lewy Body Dementia, Study Finds

A Danish study following 17,711 people over 12 years found that depression is more common years before a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or Lewy body dementia, with rates rising about eight years prior and remaining elevated after diagnosis, strongest for Lewy body dementia. By comparing with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, and osteoporosis, researchers suggest the link isn’t solely due to disability. The study shows association, not causation, and supports screening older adults with new or late-onset depression for early neurodegenerative signs to enable earlier care and research.

via ScienceAlert|

#depression #early-detection #health

science22 days ago•96 min saved

Neuron-type aging clocks map vulnerability and unveil neuroprotective drug candidates

Aging clocks applied to single neuron types in C. elegans reveal neuron-type–specific biological ages, with environmentally exposed ciliated amphid neurons aging fastest and degenerating earlier. Reducing translation slows degeneration in fast-aging neurons, and neuronal aging patterns correlate with human brain aging while anticorrelating with known geroprotective interventions. An in silico CMAP screen identifies potential neuroprotective compounds, notably syringic acid and vanoxerine, while some agents (e.g., WAY-100635, Bay K8644) can be neurotoxic. The study suggests neuron-type aging trajectories can guide protective interventions and risk-factor identification for neurodegeneration across species.

via Nature|

#aging-clocks #caenorhabditis-elegans #neurodegeneration

science29 days ago•4 min saved

OTULIN: A Master Switch for Tau Points to a New Alzheimer’s Target

Researchers show the enzyme OTULIN acts as a master regulator of tau production in neurons: blocking OTULIN reduced tau levels and removing its gene even halted tau synthesis, while RNA analysis revealed widespread changes in gene activity, notably in inflammatory pathways; the findings open a potential new route to slow brain aging and Alzheimer's, but safety concerns remain since OTULIN and tau have essential functions and much more research is needed.

via ScienceAlert|

#alzheimers-disease #inflammation #neurodegeneration

health1 month ago•6 min saved

Mice Reversal of Advanced Alzheimer's Sparks Hope for Humans

A study from University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, and the Cleveland VA reversed advanced Alzheimer's in mice by stabilizing brain NAD+ energy balance with the compound P7C3-A20, achieving full cognitive recovery and suggesting a potential amyloid-independent therapy for humans. While promising, results in animals don’t guarantee human success; the team aims for phase I safety trials within about 18 months and envisions broader use for neurodegeneration, alongside lifestyle measures and caregiver support.

via WKYC|

#alzheimers #clinicaltrials #health

health1 month ago•4 min saved

NAD+ Boost Could Rewind Alzheimer’s Signs in Mice, Early Study Says

A Cell Reports Medicine study in two Alzheimer’s mouse models shows that restoring NAD+ balance can reverse key disease features and restore memory, with human brain tissue from severe cases showing similar NAD+ disruptions. While not a human trial and NAD+-targeted therapies aren’t approved, the findings suggest Alzheimer’s progression may stem from reversible cellular energy/repair failures and highlight NAD+ as a promising upstream target and lifestyle factor to support brain resilience.

via MindBodyGreen|

#alzheimers-disease #brain-energy #health

science1 month ago•8 min saved

Promising Gene Therapy Hints at Slowing Huntington's Disease Progression

A small trial of uniQure’s AMT-130 gene therapy in 29 Huntington’s disease patients showed reduced production of the mutant huntingtin protein, slower cognitive decline, and lower levels of neurofilament light in cerebrospinal fluid over three years, suggesting a potential disease-modifying effect. Results were reported in a press release and have not yet undergone peer review, but they point to a possible treatment that could be used earlier in the disease course, while researchers continue to identify early biomarkers and expand the treatment window before motor symptoms appear.

via ScienceAlert|

#amt-130 #clinical-trial #gene-therapy

science1 month ago•3 min saved

Chlorpyrifos Exposure Linked to Substantially Higher Parkinson’s Risk

A UCLA Health study links long-term residential exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos with more than a 2.5-fold increase in Parkinson’s disease risk. Animal tests show chlorpyrifos damages dopamine neurons and triggers brain inflammation via autophagy disruption, suggesting autophagy restoration as a potential therapeutic angle. Despite declines in the U.S., past exposure and ongoing use elsewhere mean monitoring and further research on pesticide-related neurodegeneration are warranted.

via SciTechDaily|

#autophagy #chlorpyrifos #neurodegeneration

health1 month ago•4 min saved

Disrupted Body Clocks May Increase Dementia Risk

A study finds that disruptions in the body's internal clock, especially weaker circadian rhythms and later activity peaks, are linked to a higher risk of developing dementia in older adults, suggesting potential benefits of circadian rhythm interventions for prevention.

via SciTechDaily|

#aging #body-clock #circadian-rhythm

health1 month ago•3 min saved

New Breakthroughs Offer Hope for Reversing Alzheimer’s Disease

A promising experimental drug called NU-9 has shown potential in preventing Alzheimer's disease in mice by targeting toxic amyloid-β protein subtypes early in the disease process, with future human trials and early diagnostic tests on the horizon.

via IFLScience|

#alzheimers #drug-development #early-diagnosis

health2 months ago•3 min saved

Potential Link Between Oral Bacteria and Parkinson’s Disease

A study suggests that oral bacteria like Streptococcus mutans can migrate to the gut, produce metabolites such as ImP, and potentially contribute to Parkinson’s disease by affecting neurons and promoting neuroinflammation, highlighting new therapeutic targets involving the microbiome.

via SciTechDaily|

#gut-microbiome #health #imidazole-propionate

health2 months ago•6 min saved

New Drug Shows Promise in Preventing Alzheimer's Before Memory Loss

An experimental drug called NU-9 developed at Northwestern University shows promise in preventing Alzheimer's disease by targeting toxic amyloid beta oligomers early in the disease process, potentially delaying or stopping memory loss and neurodegeneration.

via ScienceDaily|

#alzheimers #amyloid-beta-oligomers #early-intervention

science2 months ago•3 min saved

Uncovering the Cause of Brain Cell Death in Rare Genetic Mutation

Researchers have uncovered how a rare genetic mutation in the GPX4 gene causes neurodegeneration through ferroptosis, a form of cell death linked to oxidative damage, providing new insights into diseases like Alzheimer's and childhood dementia.

via ScienceAlert|

#brain-cells #dementia #ferroptosis

health2 months ago•4 min saved

Blood's Dual Role in Alzheimer's: Protection and Progression

A study in mice shows that blood from young animals has protective effects against Alzheimer's disease by reducing amyloid plaque buildup and cognitive decline, while aged blood accelerates disease progression, highlighting the potential of targeting blood-borne factors for therapy.

via SciTechDaily|

#alzheimers #amyloid-plaques #blood-factors