Alzheimer’s disease is a widespread condition that affects many older people around the world and is a leading cause of dementia.
For over two decades, researchers have been trying to unravel the mystery behind what causes Alzheimer’s. Despite their efforts, the exact cause remains unknown, and, as of now, there is no cure for this disease.
There are two primary theories about what might cause Alzheimer’s. The first one focuses on a protein called amyloid-beta. According to this theory, the accumulation of amyloid-beta protein in the brain leads to Alzheimer’s.
The second theory, which is more recent, points to a different cause. It suggests that the problem might lie with the mitochondria, the parts of the cell that produce energy. This theory is gaining attention thanks to new research findings.
Scientists from Yale-NUS College have conducted a study that supports this second theory. Their research indicates that problems with how cells process energy occur before there’s a noticeable increase in amyloid-beta protein in the brain.
To study this, the researchers used a small worm, Caenorhabditis elegans, which shares many molecular characteristics with human cells. They observed metabolic defects in these worms and found something remarkable.
When treated with Metformin, a common drug used for diabetes, these metabolic defects were reversed. This led to an improvement in the worms’ health and lifespan.
These findings suggest a new approach to dealing with Alzheimer’s. Rather than waiting for protein build-ups to occur, it might be more effective to target metabolic issues right from the start.
This idea comes from the understanding that mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunctions are key aspects of aging. Alzheimer’s, being an age-related disease, could be seen as a result of these aging processes.
The research team believes that focusing on aging mechanisms might be a more effective way to prevent or treat age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s. This approach involves dealing with the root causes rather than just the symptoms.
While we can’t completely prevent Alzheimer’s yet, there are several things you can do to lower your risk. Regular exercise can cut your risk by up to 50%. Eating a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can protect your brain.
Keeping your brain active with new learning, ensuring good sleep, managing stress, staying socially connected, and protecting your head from injuries are also important steps.
These lifestyle choices don’t guarantee you’ll avoid Alzheimer’s, but they can reduce your risk and boost your overall health and well-being.
The research by Jan Gruber and his team, which sheds new light on the potential causes of Alzheimer’s and how we might prevent it, was published in the scientific journal eLife.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies that bad lifestyle habits can cause Alzheimer’s disease, and strawberries can be good defence against Alzheimer’s.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that oral cannabis extract may help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms, and Vitamin E may help prevent Parkinson’s disease.
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