Tag

Neurodegenerative Diseases

All articles tagged with #neurodegenerative diseases

Ketogenic Diet Could Shield the Brain From Neurodegenerative Diseases, Review Finds
science1 month ago

Ketogenic Diet Could Shield the Brain From Neurodegenerative Diseases, Review Finds

A new review finds the ketogenic (keto) diet could offer neuroprotection against diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's by altering energy metabolism and increasing ketone use, which may reduce inflammation, boost autophagy, and improve gut-brain health; though most supporting studies are in animals, long-term safety, practicality, and clinical efficacy in people remain uncertain, and more trials are needed.

Scientists Aim to Clean Up RNA Pollution to Halt Neurodegeneration
science2 months ago

Scientists Aim to Clean Up RNA Pollution to Halt Neurodegeneration

A UC San Diego–led collaboration with the Salk Institute and Sanford Burnham Prebys has received a four-year, $13 million CIRM grant to study RNA pollution as a root cause of age-related neurodegeneration. The team will use a transdifferentiation approach to convert patient skin cells into age-retaining induced neurons (iNs), map RNA pollution across more than 200 cell lines and patient biofluids, and explore how mitochondrial energy production contributes to RNA pollution. They will employ robotics to screen thousands of potential therapies (including FDA-approved drugs and targeted RNA therapies), testing the most promising candidates in 3D brain models (iSpheroids) and eventually animal models to improve neuronal resilience against diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS.

OTULIN Regulates Tau in Neurons, Opening Alzheimer’s Therapy Avenues
science6 months ago

OTULIN Regulates Tau in Neurons, Opening Alzheimer’s Therapy Avenues

Researchers at the University of New Mexico found that OTULIN, an enzyme known for immune regulation, also controls tau production in neurons. By inhibiting OTULIN with a small molecule or knocking out the OTULIN gene, they stopped new tau formation and cleared existing tau in human neuron models, suggesting a novel target for treating Alzheimer’s disease and related tauopathies. The findings also linked OTULIN to RNA metabolism and inflammatory pathways, and researchers note the need to study effects across different brain cell types before pursuing therapies.

A Natural Protein Boosts Brain Defense Against Alzheimer's
health7 months ago

A Natural Protein Boosts Brain Defense Against Alzheimer's

A study suggests that spermine, a natural molecule, may help clear toxic protein buildup in the brain associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by promoting the formation of liquid-like protein droplets that are easier for the body's waste system to remove, showing promise in early tests with worms and cells, though more research is needed for human application.

Scientists Visualize Hidden Proteins and Triggers in Parkinson’s Disease
health8 months ago

Scientists Visualize Hidden Proteins and Triggers in Parkinson’s Disease

Researchers have developed a new imaging technique that allows for the first time the direct visualization and measurement of protein clusters called alpha-synuclein oligomers in human brain tissue, which are believed to initiate Parkinson's disease. This breakthrough could lead to earlier diagnosis and targeted treatments by revealing how the disease develops and spreads in the brain.