Tau Protein | 28 Dec 2024
A new study suggests blocking the stress response pathway in the brain could reverse Alzheimer's symptoms by preventing tau protein accumulation.
- Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder causing memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. It is the most common cause of dementia, responsible for 60-80% of cases.
- Tau proteins stabilize neurons, but in Alzheimer's, they accumulate and form neurofibrillary tangles that disrupt neuron communication, a characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, contributing to cognitive decline.
- Blocking toxic lipid synthesis in the brain could prevent tau buildup, offering potential symptom reversal.
- These toxic lipids are produced by microglia – brain immune cells that can either protect or worsen neurodegeneration. They damage neurons, accelerating neurodegeneration.
- A stress response pathway activates microglia, leading to this toxic lipid production.
- Blocking toxic lipid synthesis in the brain could prevent tau buildup, offering potential symptom reversal.
- While current treatments delay cognitive decline, they cannot halt disease progression. Targeting the microglial stress response pathway may offer more effective therapies.
Read more: Alzheimer’s Disease