A new research has revealed how Alzheimer’s develops differently and is different than how it was previously perceived. The new findings will help in the future treatment of the disease and also in slowing its progression. It is currently among the top 10 leading causes of death in the U.S.  The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer plagues as many as 5.8 million in the United States. It is estimated that the number will surge to 14 million by 2060 in the country.

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that women are more affected, accounting for two-thirds of the overall cases in the United States. It further says that older Black and Hispanic Americans are more susceptible to have Alzheimer’s and other dementias compared to white Americans.

Alzheimer’s develops in the brain but differently than previously assumed

The researchers of this new study found that Alzheimer’s progresses differently than previously thought. Conducted by experts from the University of Cambridge, this October 2021 study reveals that rather than appearing in one region before spreading to another, clumps of protein replicate in several areas of the brain at the same time.

These proteins (called as tau) replicate and damage the brain’s cells, leading to an array of symptoms like confusion, memory loss. Slowly, the condition exacerbates, and the dreaded Alzheimer’s sets in.

“This was a surprise to us and I think many in the community,” says study co-author Tuomas Knowles, Ph.D., professor of physical chemistry and biophysics. “It had been assumed that the spreading process would be a crucial step in controlling the rate at which protein aggregation and deposition happens in the disease,” he added.

Can the new findings help in the treatment of Alzheimer’s?

The researchers mentioned that early intervention could greatly help in slowing down the local replication of protein and slow down the progression of the disease. They feel that the findings point towards striving for newer ways to slow down the replication of tau more so than focusing on the spread. This could be a new and breakthrough concept.

The new study directs scientists and pharmacologists in a different trajectory. According to Michal Schnaider Beeri, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and director of the Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center at Sheba Medical Center, “There may be ways to intervene and halt the mechanism that facilitates replication and aggregation of tau, or discover the inhibition mechanism that doesn’t allow tau to aggregate and develop medications based on such mechanism.”

Experts say that if the replication of tau can be thwarted by five years, it would most likely decrease the chances of a more severe form of Alzheimer’s disease.

The current treatment for Alzheimer’s disease involves medications that help in improving cognition and certain strategies to manage symptoms. But, these treatments have very limited effects, believe experts. These interventions focus on targeting beta-amyloid (plaques). But addressing these plaques is not very beneficial as not all people with dementia have them.

But, new therapies of intervention are emerging every year, but they are not targeting the tau replication, feel the researchers. They said that the recently FDA-approved medication clears one of the hallmark pathologies in Alzheimer’s disease (amyloid plaques), but shows little proof for improving cognition. But, they are confident that their findings will give a new and different direction of research for new therapies.

Seek help

The best way to deal with any mental health condition is to seek early intervention. It not only helps during the treatment process but also ensures a long-term recovery. If you or a loved one is grappling with any cognitive issue or other mental health problems, reach out to Medical Concierge.

Medical Concierge offers quality mental health recovery programs with 100% recovery of our patients. Our programs like inpatient mental health treatment in California are among the top.

For further information, call us now on our 24/7 helpline number 877-636-0042 and get immediate assistance.