Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impacts millions of people worldwide, leading to cognitive decline, memory loss, and other neurological symptoms.
It is characterized by the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
In a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California San Diego, a potential biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease was identified, which could offer an early warning sign of the condition.
The scientists discovered that high levels of an enzyme called PHGDH in the blood of older adults could indicate the presence of Alzheimer’s disease, even before cognitive symptoms appear.
PHGDH is essential for producing the amino acid serine, which is crucial for protein synthesis and maintaining healthy brain function. The researchers found that increased PHGDH expression in Alzheimer’s patients suggests an elevated rate of serine production in the brain.
This discovery was made through the analysis of genetic data from post-mortem human brains across four different research cohorts, each consisting of 40 to 50 individuals aged 50 and older, including Alzheimer’s patients, asymptomatic individuals, and healthy controls.
The study showed a consistent increase in PHGDH expression among Alzheimer’s patients and asymptomatic individuals compared to healthy controls.
This pattern was observed across all four cohorts and in two different mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, the severity of cognitive decline correlated with higher PHGDH expression levels in the brain.
These findings raise important considerations for the use of serine supplements as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. While clinical trials are underway to test serine treatments in older adults experiencing cognitive decline, the researchers caution against taking additional serine supplements.
Their data consistently showed increased PHGDH expression in Alzheimer’s patients, suggesting that the body’s serine production is already heightened.
In a previous study, the team had identified PHGDH as a potential blood biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease. The current findings further support this idea, indicating that PHGDH expression in the blood could serve as a useful diagnostic tool for identifying individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The study underscores the potential of PHGDH as a biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease and highlights the need for caution when considering serine supplements to treat or prevent the condition.
Further research is needed to fully understand the roles of PHGDH and serine in Alzheimer’s development and to explore their potential as therapeutic targets.
Currently, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but several strategies may help reduce the risk of developing the condition:
Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity is linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Exercise can improve blood flow to the brain, promote the growth of new brain cells, and reduce inflammation.
Maintain a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The Mediterranean diet, which includes plenty of plant-based foods and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts, is particularly beneficial.
Stay Mentally Active: Engaging in activities like reading, puzzles, and socializing can help keep the brain stimulated and may delay cognitive decline.
Manage Chronic Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Managing these conditions through lifestyle changes and medication may help reduce the risk.
The study conducted by Sheng Zhong and colleagues was published in Cell Metabolism, providing valuable insights into the early detection and potential treatment strategies for Alzheimer’s disease.
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.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
