Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects millions of people around the world. It slowly damages memory and thinking skills and eventually takes away the ability to carry out simple tasks.
The disease is marked by the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain, known as beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which lead to the destruction of brain cells.
Researchers are constantly searching for ways to detect Alzheimer’s disease early, ideally before significant symptoms appear. Early detection is crucial because it could allow for interventions that might slow the progression of the disease.
In a recent study from the University of California San Diego, scientists have identified a promising lead in this quest: an enzyme called PHGDH.
PHGDH plays a vital role in the body by helping produce an amino acid called serine. Serine is essential for the body to create proteins and maintain a healthy brain.
The study found that older adults with high levels of PHGDH in their blood were more likely to have Alzheimer’s disease, even if they had not yet shown any cognitive symptoms.
To reach this conclusion, the researchers examined genetic data from brain tissues of people in four different research groups, each containing 40 to 50 individuals aged 50 and older.
These groups included people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, individuals without any symptoms, and healthy individuals. Across all groups, those with Alzheimer’s or who were beginning to develop the disease had higher levels of PHGDH in their brains.
Interestingly, even some individuals who were not yet showing symptoms but had high PHGDH levels were likely in the early stages of the disease.
The study also found that as Alzheimer’s disease progressed, the expression of PHGDH continued to rise. This pattern was not only observed in human patients but also in two different mouse models of the disease.
Moreover, people who performed poorly on cognitive tests tended to have higher PHGDH levels, suggesting a direct link between the enzyme and the severity of cognitive decline.
These findings suggest that measuring PHGDH levels in the blood could become a valuable tool for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms become obvious. This could provide an early warning system, giving patients and doctors more time to manage the disease.
However, the study also raises important questions about the use of serine supplements, which some believe might help treat or prevent Alzheimer’s.
Given that PHGDH is involved in producing serine, and that PHGDH levels are higher in Alzheimer’s patients, the researchers advise caution. They suggest that increasing serine intake through supplements could potentially worsen the situation by further elevating PHGDH levels.
Clinical trials are already underway to test serine supplements in older adults with cognitive decline, but this new data indicates that we should be careful and consider the potential risks.
The research team, led by Sheng Zhong, published their findings in the journal Cell Metabolism. Their work adds to a growing understanding of how Alzheimer’s develops and highlights the potential of PHGDH as an early indicator of the disease.
More research is needed to fully understand the role of PHGDH and serine in Alzheimer’s and to explore whether targeting these factors could lead to new treatments.
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are steps people can take to potentially reduce their risk. Regular exercise is beneficial, as it can improve blood flow to the brain, reduce inflammation, and promote the growth of new brain cells.
Maintaining a healthy diet, particularly one rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like those found in olive oil and nuts, may also help. The Mediterranean diet, in particular, has been linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s.
Staying mentally active by engaging in activities like reading, solving puzzles, and socializing can also support brain health.
Finally, managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol is important, as these have been associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
In summary, this study sheds light on the potential of PHGDH as a biomarker for early Alzheimer’s detection and serves as a reminder to approach treatments with careful consideration.
While much remains to be learned, these findings represent an important step forward in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
If you care about Alzheimer’s, please read studies about the likely cause of Alzheimer’s disease , and new non-drug treatment that could help prevent Alzheimer’s.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about diet that may help prevent Alzheimer’s, and results showing some dementia cases could be prevented by changing these 12 things.
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