Dementia Research Can Aspirin Protect Against Alzheimer's Disease?

How aspirin strengthens waste management in the brain

American researchers recently published a study in which a link between aspirin and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease was observed. In addition, the popular painkiller should ensure that the disease process slows down significantly in patients. According to the scientists, a low dose of aspirin may reduce harmful plaques in the brain. These plaques are considered as co-causative agents of Alzheimer's disease.

The US Rush University Medical Center study team found that aspirin can reduce harmful plaque buildup in the brain, protecting memory and reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The results were recently published in the journal "Journal of Neuroscience".

A new study shows that aspirin can help eliminate harmful buildup in the brain - at least in mice. (Image: freshidea / fotolia.com)

Aspirin - one of the most commonly used drugs

"The findings of our study identify a potential new role for one of the most widely used, commonly traded drugs in the world," said Kalipada Pahan, study lead author and research director, in a press release on the study's findings.

Alzheimer's is also an increasing problem in America

Alzheimer's disease is a deadly form of dementia. According to the experts, one in ten Americans over the age of 65 or older is affected by this disease. The increasing number of illnesses are faced with few treatment options and effective drugs. All current therapies can only provide limited relief of the symptoms.

Causes still unknown

The exact causes of Alzheimer's are still considered insufficiently understood. One of the most promising strategies for slowing Alzheimer's disease is the better elimination of brain wastes called amyloid plaques.

How do the amyloid plaques damage the brain??

The protein amyloid-beta forms lumps, which deposit in the brain and damage the connections between nerve cells. The poor disposal of the toxic protein amyloid beta in the brain is currently considered to be a leading mechanism in the development of dementia and memory loss. These proteins then form the plaques, so the clogging deposits.

Aspirin helps with plaque elimination

Building on previous studies on this topic, Pahan and his colleagues have been able to show in animal experiments on mice that aspirin reduces the number of amyloid plaques in the brain. "Understanding how plaques are eradicated is important for developing effective medications that stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease," says Pahan.

Mice with Alzheimer's

Genetically engineered mice with elevated levels of amyloid plaques had to be used as research basis. The researchers administered aspirin for one month to the mice and then examined the amount of plaque in the parts of the brain most affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Aspirin strengthens the body's cleansing proteins

The scientists found that the aspirin drugs enhanced the protein TFEB. This protein is considered to be the main regulator of waste disposal in the brain and its enhancement has led to a reduction in amyloid plaques in the mouse brains. "This study adds another potential benefit to the already established applications of aspirin for pain relief and for the treatment of heart disease," concludes Pahan.

Further research needed

The study director emphasizes the importance of further research in the area: "The results of our study have great potential impact on the therapeutic use of aspirin in Alzheimer's and other dementias," said the expert. (Vb)