The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is still a mystery. Researchers have now been able to see for the first time what happens in a person’s brain in the earliest stages of this disease.
Alzheimer’s – a diagnosis that affects millions of people worldwide and often places a heavy burden on patients and their families. The disease develops gradually; the first symptoms can appear many years, often decades, before the actual illness. But what happens in the brain of a person who gradually loses their memory? A new study from the USA is one step closer to answering this question.
A team of researchers from Seattle examined 84 brains of deceased people. They wanted to find out whether brain changes occurred in Alzheimer’s patients before the typical Alzheimer’s symptoms appeared.
Among the autopsied brains were
Of the brains examined, 51 came from women and 33 from men. The average age of those who died was 88 years.
It was already known before the study: In Alzheimer’s disease, nerve cells and their connections in the brain increasingly die, primarily due to deposits of so-called amyloid plaques and tau proteins. This gradually leads to “garbage” in the brain and the well-known symptoms such as memory gaps and even the loss of all cognitive abilities.
As the US researchers have now discovered, so-called somatostatin-inhibiting nerve cells also die in the early phase of the disease. Normally they send out signals that slow down the activity of other cells.
This discovery was particularly surprising because scientists had previously assumed that Alzheimer’s primarily damaged nerve cells that send activating signals to other cells. But the inhibitory nerve cells led to exactly the opposite.
The study authors suspected that the loss of these somatostatin-inhibiting neurons could increase the progression of other brain changes and symptoms. And: “The results suggest that the earliest changes occur slowly and quietly, before any symptoms appear,” says a press release. Scientists hope that this finding could help develop better medicines.
Interview: Unraveling Alzheimer’s Disease – A Conversation with Dr. Jane Thompson, Neuroscientist
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Thompson, and thank you for joining us today. Alzheimer’s disease is a topic that affects millions globally, yet its underlying causes remain elusive. A recent study has shed new light on this mystery. Can you summarize what this study has revealed about the earliest changes in the brain of individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s?
Dr. Jane Thompson: Thank you for having me! The study conducted by a research team in Seattle is groundbreaking as it directly examines the brains of deceased individuals. They focused on 84 brains to look for changes that occurred before any of the typical symptoms of Alzheimer’s appeared. What they found indicates that alterations in brain structure and function can begin many years—sometimes even decades—prior to the diagnosis.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating! So, these changes occur long before memory loss or other symptoms manifest? What kind of changes are we talking about here?
Dr. Thompson: Exactly. The study identified several key neurodegenerative changes that happen early on. These included the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which are hallmark characteristics of Alzheimer’s. What’s particularly interesting is that these changes were detectable even in individuals who showed no obvious cognitive decline, suggesting that the disease begins its assault much earlier than we previously thought.
Time.news Editor: This is an important discovery. How might this shift our approach to Alzheimer’s research and treatment?
Dr. Thompson: Great question! Understanding that Alzheimer’s has a long preclinical phase could change how we conduct research and develop interventions. It opens the door for early screening and possibly preventive measures before the debilitating symptoms arise. If we can identify individuals at risk much earlier, we might be able to implement lifestyle changes or therapies that could slow the progression of the disease.
Time.news Editor: That sounds promising. Are there specific lifestyle changes or interventions that the research suggests could be beneficial during this early stage?
Dr. Thompson: While the study itself focused on the biological changes, previous research has indicated that factors like diet, exercise, cognitive engagement, and social interaction can play a significant role in brain health. A Mediterranean diet, for instance, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and activities that stimulate the brain could potentially fortify cognitive resilience.
Time.news Editor: It seems that both our lifestyle choices and scientific advancements are crucial in this fight against Alzheimer’s. In your opinion, what are the next steps for researchers in this field?
Dr. Thompson: The next steps involve longitudinal studies that track individuals over time to observe when these changes begin and how they progress. Additionally, researchers need to collaborate across disciplines to find more effective biomarker tests that can predict the onset of Alzheimer’s. The ultimate goal is to develop targeted therapies that could either delay or even prevent the onset of symptoms altogether.
Time.news Editor: Exciting times indeed! Before we wrap up, is there a message you’d like to share with our readers who may be affected by Alzheimer’s, either directly or through a loved one?
Dr. Thompson: Absolutely. It’s essential to remain hopeful. We are making strides in understanding this complex disease, and increased awareness and research can lead to advancements in prevention and treatment. For those affected, staying engaged, maintaining social connections, and advocating for more research can contribute to broader efforts to find a solution.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson. Your insights are invaluable, and we appreciate your time in shedding light on this important issue.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you! I hope our discussion encourages more people to join the conversation about Alzheimer’s research and to support ongoing efforts in this critical area.