All articles tagged with #alzheimers disease
USC researchers identified selective inhibitors of the brain inflammation enzyme cPLA2 that may lower Alzheimer’s risk, especially for APOE4 carriers; the compounds cross the blood-brain barrier, showed activity in brain cells and mouse models, and represent a promising but early-stage drug discovery path with safety and feasibility in humans to be determined.
Among 69 women aged 65+ with high genetic risk for Alzheimer’s, poorer sleep quality correlated with worse visual memory and greater tau buildup in brain regions tied to the disease, strongest in the highest-risk group. The finding is observational, not causal, and researchers will collect more data to see if improving sleep could mitigate risk.
Dunedin Study findings suggest that higher blood levels of pTau181, together with self-reported memory concerns, may reveal Alzheimer's risk as early as age 45, highlighting midlife as a key window for brain health; pTau181 did not correlate with MRI or cognitive tests at 45, and researchers will continue following participants to see how this risk marker evolves.
Buck Institute researchers find that the APOE2 gene variant helps neurons resist DNA damage and cellular aging, which may explain the lower Alzheimer's risk. In stem-cell–derived neurons and mice, APOE2-expressing cells showed less DNA damage, better repair, and resistance to senescence, and APOE2 protein could shield APOE4 neurons as well, suggesting new therapeutic avenues—though exact mechanisms are still unknown and the study used stress-induced conditions.
Buck Institute researchers show that APOE2 helps neurons repair DNA and resist aging by reducing DNA damage and cellular senescence; studies in human iPSC-derived neurons and aged mice reveal APOE2–driven DNA repair activation and better nuclear integrity, offering a potential mechanism for APOE2's lower Alzheimer’s risk and longer lifespan and suggesting therapies that boost DNA repair for APOE4 carriers.
A mouse-model study shows dopamine levels in the entorhinal cortex drop to under 20% in Alzheimer's, crippling associative memory encoding. Restoring dopamine signaling—either by optogenetic stimulation or with Levodopa (L-DOPA)—rejuvenates neural activity and fully reverses cognitive deficits, suggesting a new therapeutic avenue that targets memory circuitry beyond traditional amyloid/tau approaches.
Researchers used supramolecular nanoparticles that act as drugs to repair the brain's blood-brain barrier and restart its waste-clearance system. In mice with high amyloid-β, three injections reduced brain Aβ by 50–60% within an hour, with months-long vascular and cognitive improvements; the approach leverages the LRP1 transport system to reset clearance. While promising, the work is in animal studies and human trials remain years away.
A study of over 600 older adults found that strong overall brain health buffers the cognitive impact of early Alzheimer’s pathology, suggesting that lifestyle factors like regular exercise, a nutritious diet, good sleep, and new cognitive challenges can help preserve memory and thinking abilities. The research also notes preliminary evidence that higher socioeconomic status may lessen the effect of pathology on memory, underscoring the potential for public-health strategies to boost brain resilience across populations.
A large study of nearly 40,000 older adults (Adventist Health Study 2) found that regular egg consumption is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease over about 15 years: 17% lower for 1–3 eggs per month and 20% lower for 2–4 eggs per week. While not proving causation, researchers point to yolk nutrients such as choline (and other nutrients like B12, D, omega-3s, and lutein) that may support brain health, suggesting eggs can fit into a brain-healthy dietary pattern (like the MIND diet) but are not a standalone prevention.
Alzheimer's Association guidance says challenging your mind with novel activities—like chess, learning a new instrument or language—and staying socially connected may help preserve brain health and cognitive reserve as you age; social isolation is linked to about a 70% higher risk of cognitive decline, and more on the 6-Step Challenge at rethinkyourbrain.org.
A long-term study of about 40,000 adults over 15 years links regular egg consumption with a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Participants aged 65+ who ate at least one egg daily, five days a week, had up to a 27% lower risk than those who rarely or never ate eggs; even modest intake showed protection. Nutrients in eggs such as choline, omega-3s, lutein, and zeaxanthin are proposed as contributing factors. The study emphasizes eggs can be part of a balanced diet, though findings are observational, and funding included support from the American Egg Board.
Biogen reported that the Phase 2 CELIA trial of diranersen achieved robust reductions in CSF tau and tau pathology and showed slowing of cognitive decline across doses—most notably at 60 mg every 24 weeks—despite not meeting the primary dose-response endpoint (CDR-SB at Week 76). Safety was generally consistent with prior data, with more serious adverse events at the highest dose. Biogen plans to advance diranersen to registrational development and will present further data at AAIC 2026.
Japanese researchers found that arginine, a safe and inexpensive amino acid, reduced amyloid-β aggregation, decreased brain inflammation, and improved behavior in fruit flies and mice models of Alzheimer’s disease. The effects appear to come from interfering with protein misfolding rather than lowering production. While promising and eligible for repurposing, the work is preclinical and dosing differs from dietary supplements, so larger preclinical and human studies are needed before clinical use.
THR unveils an exclusive first clip of Leah Nelson’s Cannes-bound Tangles, an animated drama headlined by Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Seth Rogen (with Abbi Jacobson, Beanie Feldstein, Bryan Cranston and others), about a daughter returning to her hometown as her mother’s Alzheimer’s worsens. The film will have a special Cannes screening, and Louis-Dreyfus will record a live Awards Chatter podcast in Cannes. Domestic rights are handled by UTA/CAA and international rights by Charades, produced by Monarch Media, Point Grey Pictures, Giant Ant Films, and LYLAS Pictures.
CBS Mornings, in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association, highlights how diet can support brain health through the MIND diet—rich in fruits, leafy greens, whole grains and lean proteins while limiting processed foods and added sugars. The Alzheimer’s Association's 6-Step Challenge offers practical guidance and a food-log approach to build lasting brain-healthy habits, with resources at rethinkyourbrain.org.