Alzheimer's Two-Phase Attack: New Research Changes Treatment Timeline
Brain's Hidden Vulnerability Could Be Key to Fighting Alzheimer's
New research has mapped how Alzheimer's disease spreads through the brain, revealing a surprising two-phase pattern and an unexpected cellular target for early treatment.
Key Findings
- Scientists analyzed over 3.4 million cells from 84 human brains
- The disease progresses in two phases: slow initial decline followed by rapid deterioration
- Somatostatin inhibitory neurons die off early in the disease
- These neurons act as "brakes" in the brain, controlling memory and thinking networks
Why This Matters for Treatment
The study points to a clear window for intervention. "The fact that there is a process early on that is slow is an inviting opportunity to intervene," says Dr. Richard Hodes, director of the National Institute on Aging.
A New Target for Therapies
The loss of inhibitory neurons could trigger a cascade of problems in brain networks. These cells:
- Control activity in memory and thinking circuits
- Help maintain balance between different types of brain signals
- May protect against the rapid phase of the disease
Looking Ahead
This research opens new paths for treatment by:
- Identifying when to start interventions
- Highlighting which cells need protection
- Suggesting ways to prevent the shift to rapid decline
The findings give scientists specific targets for developing treatments that could slow or stop Alzheimer's before major damage occurs.
[Source: Nature Neuroscience journal, study led by Ed Lein at Allen Institute for Brain Science]
https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/11/11/nx-s1-5183228/alzheimers-brain-timeline-shift-trickle-torrent
