The brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease show a variety of changes, but the exact cause of the disease is unknown.
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New research on Alzheimer’s disease indicates that lipid droplets accumulation within brain cells may be the root cause.
Targeting these droplets could offer more effective treatments compared to current strategies that focus on proteins, according to Michael Haney at the University of Pennsylvania. “This opens up new avenues for treatment development,” he stated.
The prevailing explanation for Alzheimer’s disease is the buildup of beta-amyloid protein in plaques between nerve cells. Another factor is tau protein tangles stored inside nerve cells.
Recent studies show the amyloid hypothesis gaining prominence as treatments clearing amyloid from the brain have shown efficacy in slowing memory loss in patients.
Lipid droplets in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients have been long overlooked, as revealed by Dr. Haney’s study examining the Apoe gene.
Research indicates a link between amyloid buildup, increased fat storage, tau accumulation, and memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease.
Studies have shown that Apoe4 gene variants increase Alzheimer’s risk, further supporting the lipid hypothesis.
Professor Irundika Diaz from Aston University highlights the role of fat metabolism in Alzheimer’s, calling it an interesting revelation.
Genetic mutations, particularly Apoe variants, account for a significant proportion of Alzheimer’s cases, suggesting potential avenues for preventive treatments.
Source: www.newscientist.com
