Alzheimer's disease has two well-known primary causes, the misfolding or clumping of tau protein and amyloid beta. Amyloid beta, linked to cholesterol regulation within the brain, was the focus of both diagnostics and research into Alzheimer's.
Misfolded amyloid beta proteins build up around the neurons as a plaque, interfering with them and eventually killing them. But this mechanism is not the only culprit. A recent study has identified that tau protein is a much more crucial component of Alzheimer's.
Alzheimers Disease
Alzheimer''s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting memory and thinking and making the person increasingly dependent on others.
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Tau protein normally assists in the transport of materials within neurons and similar to amyloid beta, misfolded tau builds up and spreads throughout the brain leading to neuron death.
Alzheimer's disease was confirmed in 1375 brains out of the 3600 postmortem brains. The study showed that tau was in fact the driving force behind the disease though initially buildup of amyloid was the only clear indicator of cognitive decline. Malfunctioning tau seemed to spread from the memory centers of the brain outward into the cortex, mimicking the progression of the disease.
The study is a huge leap in Alzheimer's research but scientists recommend amyloid beta be part of Alzheimer's diagnostics and research till there is adequate evidence regarding tau protein.
Source: Medindia
The study is a huge leap in Alzheimer's research but scientists recommend amyloid beta be part of Alzheimer's diagnostics and research till there is adequate evidence regarding tau protein.
Source: Medindia
Risk Factors for Alzheimers Disease
Cognitively normal adults exhibiting atrophy of their temporal lobe or damage to blood vessels in the brain are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.
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 Young Blood to Cure Decline of Aging BrainA research showed that injections of juvenile mouse blood boosts learning and memory in older rodents, findings that hold the long-sought cure for the decline of ageing brain. | Advertisement
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Smokers are at Risk of Alzheimer's Disease
People who smoke are at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
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