Physicians are discovering new facts about the origins of Alzheimer's

Study examines the possible causes of Alzheimer's disease
Physicians have come a step closer to understanding the development of Alzheimer's disease. University of Texas Medical Branch researchers have now discovered that there is an important relationship between inflammation, a toxic protein and the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The new findings could enable physicians to detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch found in their study that there is a link between certain inflammations, a toxic protein and the onset of Alzheimer's. The doctors published a press release on the results of their study.

Physicians have long been searching for the origins of Alzheimer's disease. Now scientists have discovered that inflammation in the brain plays an important role in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease. (Image: aytuncoylum / fotolia.com)

New studies could prevent brain cell loss and cognitive decline
The results of the study identified a method that would enable physicians to detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease. To do this, the doctors have to examine the back of the eyes of those affected, explain the researchers. Early detection of so-called Alzheimer's warning signs can enable early intervention and prevention of neurodegeneration, even before loss of brain cells and cognitive decline, says study author Ashley Nilson.

New investigation is fast and inexpensive
The use of the retina to detect Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases is non-invasive, inexpensive, and can be performed as part of a normal examination, say the physicians. Researchers had previously found evidence that a toxic form of tau protein may underlie early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

What happens with Alzheimer's??
Alzheimer's disease converts existing tau protein into a toxic form in the human body, say the experts. These are called tau oligomers. In addition, lumps begin to form in the neurofibrillary tangles. As a result, nutrients can no longer be transported to where they are actually needed, explain the researchers. In addition, the oligomers have toxic effects that eventually lead to the death of the brain cells.

Inflammations in the brain play a very important role in the development of Alzheimer's disease
It is becoming increasingly clear that inflammation in the brain plays an important role in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease, the scientists emphasize. Inflammation and the loss of connections between nerves in the brain occur before the formation of so-called fibrils, which are characteristic of this disease, say the scientists. It is quite possible that the tau oligomers are responsible for such inflammations.

Study investigates systematic analysis of brain and retinal specimens
Researchers analyzed the relationship between inflammation, toxic tau proteins, and the onset of Alzheimer's disease. To do this, the experts use systematic analyzes of brain and retinal samples from people with Alzheimer's and a model with experimental mice.

Toxic dew can cause inflammation in Alzheimer's
The results showed that the toxic tau can cause inflammation in Alzheimer's. The protein spreads between connected brain regions, which can then trigger inflammation in the new regions. This situation can create a cycle of toxic tau oligomeric proliferation, inflammation and cell death throughout the brain, the researchers explain.

Combined treatment could help prevent Alzheimer's
Our results suggest that nerve cell degeneration may occur due to chronic and tau oligomer-induced inflammation and could be treated by a combination of anti-tau oligomers and anti-inflammatory therapeutics, explains Rakez Kayed of the University of Texas. (As)