AI SummaryEvidence from a new study conducted by MIT scientists demonstrates that noninvasive tactile stimulation at a frequency of 40 Hz can improve brain health and motor function in mice models of Alzheimer’s disease, while also reducing levels of phosphorylated tau protein, preventing neuron death, and reducing neural DNA damage. The study suggests that tactile… Continue reading 40 Hz vibrations reduce Alzheimer’s pathology, symptoms in mouse models
Tag: Alzheimer’s Disease
Neuroscientists identify cells especially vulnerable to Alzheimer’s
AI SummaryNeurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease affects different brain regions unequally, with one of the first regions to show damage being the mammillary body in the hypothalamus. MIT researchers have identified a subset of neurons in the mammillary body that are most susceptible to neurodegeneration and hyperactivity, which leads to memory impairments. The findings suggest that… Continue reading Neuroscientists identify cells especially vulnerable to Alzheimer’s
A new peptide may hold potential as an Alzheimer’s treatment
AI SummaryMIT neuroscientists have discovered a peptide that can reverse neurodegeneration and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease by interfering with an enzyme called CDK5 that is overactive in Alzheimer’s patients. In mice, the peptide led to reductions in neurodegeneration, DNA damage, and improvements in cognitive abilities, leading researchers to believe it could serve as a… Continue reading A new peptide may hold potential as an Alzheimer’s treatment
Researchers map brain cell changes in Alzheimer’s disease
AI SummaryResearchers at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have developed a new method called STARmap PLUS to study the relationship between protein buildup and the death of neurons in Alzheimer’s disease using a mouse model. The technique allows for the simultaneous mapping of gene expression and the spatial distribution of proteins in intact… Continue reading Researchers map brain cell changes in Alzheimer’s disease
New technologies reveal cross-cutting breakdowns in Alzheimer’s disease
After decades of fundamental scientific and drug discovery research, Alzheimer’s disease has remained inscrutable and incurable, with a bare minimum of therapeutic progress. But in a new review article in Nature Neuroscience, MIT scientists write that by employing the new research capability of single-cell profiling, the field has rapidly achieved long-sought insights with strong potential for both… Continue reading New technologies reveal cross-cutting breakdowns in Alzheimer’s disease
Professor Emeritus Richard Wurtman, influential figure in translational research, dies at 86
AI SummaryRichard Wurtman, a prominent neurochemist and neuropharmacologist who was a member of the MIT faculty for 44 years, has died at the age of 86. Wurtman’s research on neurotransmitters and the impact of nutrition on brain function has made significant contributions to our understanding of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and premenstrual syndrome. He… Continue reading Professor Emeritus Richard Wurtman, influential figure in translational research, dies at 86
Small studies of 40-hertz sensory stimulation confirm safety, suggest Alzheimer’s benefits
AI SummaryEarly-stage clinical studies have found that 40-hertz sensory stimulation was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects and produced neurological and behavioral benefits among participants with Alzheimer’s disease. The studies are preliminary and more extensive research is needed to determine the efficacy of 40-hertz sensory stimulation as a potential therapeutic for Alzheimer’s.A pair of early-stage… Continue reading Small studies of 40-hertz sensory stimulation confirm safety, suggest Alzheimer’s benefits
Using light to manipulate neuron excitability
AI SummaryMIT and Harvard researchers have developed a new technique to achieve longer-term changes in neuron activity using light exposure to alter the electrical capacitance of neurons’ membranes. This manipulation of excitability could help understand brain processes, aging, diseases, and potentially lead to therapeutic applications.Nearly 20 years ago, scientists developed ways to stimulate or silence… Continue reading Using light to manipulate neuron excitability
Alzheimer’s risk gene undermines insulation of brain’s “wiring”
AI SummaryA new study published in Nature by an MIT-based team provides insight into how the APOE4 gene variant increases the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The study shows that APOE4 disrupts the management of cholesterol in brain cells called oligodendrocytes, leading to a deficiency in the fatty insulation of neurons known as myelin, which impairs… Continue reading Alzheimer’s risk gene undermines insulation of brain’s “wiring”