Netherlands study uncovers Alzheimer’s Markers in asymptomatic individuals

NETHERLANDS –  Netherlands researchers recently conducted a study unveiling that certain individuals show Alzheimer’s signs yet never develop clinical symptoms throughout their lifetime.

Published in Acta Neuropathologica Communications, the study examined data from over 2,000 brains at the Netherlands Brain Bank, uncovering a subgroup of individuals with clear indications of Alzheimer’s disease in their brain tissue yet who remained asymptomatic.

Only 12 such individuals were identified, but the implications of this discovery are profound, sparking inquiries into the nature of Alzheimer’s disease and what confers resilience against its debilitating effects.

Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia affecting over 55 million people worldwide, is characterized by the toxic accumulation of proteins, amyloid, and tau, leading to a progressive loss of brain cells. 

Common symptoms include memory loss, cognitive decline, and alterations in behavior and personality.

The phenomenon of Alzheimer’s pathology without symptoms, termed “resilience,” has intrigued researchers. 

Their investigation found that certain cellular mechanisms may play a crucial role in shielding individuals from the onset of symptoms.

Astrocytes, described as “garbage collectors” in the brain, were observed to produce higher levels of an antioxidant called metallothionein in the resilient group. 

These cells typically engage with microglia, triggering inflammatory responses, yet pathways associated with Alzheimer’s appeared less active in resilient individuals.

Furthermore, the brain’s response to remove misfolded toxic proteins remained relatively normal in the resilient group, a process typically impaired in Alzheimer’s patients. 

Additionally, resilient individuals exhibited increased mitochondrial activity, enhancing energy production in brain cells.

The study highlights the interplay of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors in conferring resilience against Alzheimer’s pathology.

 Dr. David Merrill, a geriatric psychiatrist, highlighted the role of cognitive reserve, emphasizing that genetic predispositions and lifestyle choices can modulate the onset and severity of symptoms.

Dr. Yuko Hara, from the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of cognitive stimuli and social engagement in building cognitive reserve and delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms.

While Alzheimer’s pathology without symptoms may be rare, it challenges conventional understandings of the disease and offers new avenues for research and treatment development. 

By unraveling the molecular basis of resilience, researchers hope to develop interventions that activate protective mechanisms against Alzheimer’s, offering hope for individuals at risk of developing the disease.

For all the latest healthcare industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, and YouTube Channel, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook

Newer Post

Thumbnail for Netherlands study uncovers Alzheimer’s Markers in asymptomatic individuals

Sierra Leone completes first phase of polio immunization

Older Post

Thumbnail for Netherlands study uncovers Alzheimer’s Markers in asymptomatic individuals

Pfizer initiates US$1.5B cost-cutting drive amid slumping Covid-19 revenue

Be the first to leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.