Alzheimer’s Disease is one of the number one neurodegenerative diseases that affect millions of older Americans every single year. Unfortunately, there is still no cure. This latest ‘breakthrough’ discovery, however, gives scientists some more insight into what might cause the disease. This means that we are one step closer to finally finding a solution.
New Study Identifies Likely Cause of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the parts of the brain responsible for memory, thought, and language. In its early stages, it presents itself as mild memory loss. When one is at a more advanced stage, the person won’t remember even those closest to them, won’t know where they are, and will likely experience extreme mood swings.
We know that age, family history, diet, and environmental factors all contribute to your risk of developing Alzheimer’s, however, now scientists have another clue as to what might actually cause it. A group of scientists in Australia found that too much of a specific fat-protein complex can eventually lead to the degeneration of these areas of the brain. (1)
“This study shows that exaggerated abundance in blood of potentially toxic fat-protein complexes can damage microscopic brain blood vessels called capillaries and, thereafter, leak into the brain, causing inflammation and brain cell death.” lead study author Dr. John Mamo explained. (2)
He says that this means certain dietary changes, as well as specific medications, could reduce the blood concentration of these complexes. This could then successfully prevent or at least slow down the progression of the disease.
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The Study
The study, which was published in Plos Biology in mid-September, used two mouse models. The researchers genetically modified one of the mouse test groups so that their livers would over-produce the protein part of this toxic fat-protein complex. The control group of mice had no modifications.
Over a long period of time, the researchers put both groups of mice through several memory tests for cognitive function. They also harvested various tissue samples from the mice, including samples from the liver, brain, lung, and duodenum. The scientists did not know which group they were examining both when they were looking at the tissues or at the memory tests, keeping the study free of any bias.
They found that the over-production of that specific protein, called amyloid-beta proteins, combined with the fats, traveled to the mice’s brains, and interfered with the proper functioning of their brains’ capillaries. This caused inflammation which then affected cognitive function. It is important to note that both groups experienced this inflammation, however, the modified group experienced it at a much younger age than the control group.
Limitations
Of course, this is just a preliminary study that the researchers only conducted on animals. It is an exciting breakthrough, of course, but still the scientists must study this toxic protein-fat combination further to have definitive information.
“Without significant medical advances like the breakthrough Prof. Mamo’s team has made, it is estimated that the number of Australians living with dementia will exceed 1 million by 2058. […] These findings may have a significant global impact on the millions of people living with Alzheimer’s disease.” said Warring Harding, board chairman of Alzheimer’s WA (Western Australia) of the research.
It is certainly an exciting breakthrough, as chairman Harding said. It could mean huge advancements in Alzheimer’s treatments, for one. Furthermore, it could mean that we are that much closer to a potential future cure for the disease. The team will continue to study this protein-fat complex and its effects on the brain. Hopefully sooner rather than later, there will be more options for people diagnosed with this disease.
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Sources
- “Synthesis of human amyloid restricted to liver results in an Alzheimer disease–like neurodegenerative phenotype.” Plos Biology. Virginie Lam, et al. September 14, 2021.
- “Likely cause of Alzheimer’s identified in new study.” Medical News Today. Hassan Yahaya. September 28, 2021
