Alzheimer’s disease is a serious brain disorder that affects millions of people around the world. It is a progressive condition, which means it gets worse over time. People with Alzheimer’s experience memory loss, confusion, and trouble thinking clearly.
Scientists know that Alzheimer’s is linked to the buildup of harmful substances in the brain called beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. These buildups damage brain cells, leading to cognitive decline and other neurological symptoms.
In a recent study led by scientists from the University of California San Diego, researchers made an important discovery that could help detect Alzheimer’s disease early. They found that high levels of an enzyme called PHGDH in the blood may indicate the presence of Alzheimer’s, even before symptoms like memory loss begin to show.
This is significant because catching the disease early could lead to better treatment options and slower progression.
PHGDH is an enzyme that helps produce an amino acid called serine. Serine is important for building proteins and keeping the brain healthy.
Normally, PHGDH levels are well-regulated, but the researchers found that in people with Alzheimer’s, the amount of PHGDH in the brain is much higher than normal. This was true even in people who had no obvious symptoms but later developed Alzheimer’s. This suggests that PHGDH could serve as a kind of early warning sign for the disease.
To confirm their findings, the scientists looked at genetic data from brain samples of people aged 50 and older. These samples came from four different research groups, each with 40 to 50 people. The participants included people with Alzheimer’s, people with no symptoms but some brain changes, and healthy individuals.
In all four groups, those with Alzheimer’s had much higher levels of PHGDH compared to the healthy participants. What’s more, the higher the levels of PHGDH, the worse the person performed on cognitive tests, showing a clear link between the enzyme and mental decline.
The researchers even tested this in mice that were genetically modified to have Alzheimer’s. Just like in humans, the mice with Alzheimer’s had higher PHGDH levels in their brains. This consistent result in both human and animal studies suggests that PHGDH is strongly connected to the disease.
One surprising finding from the study was its implication for serine supplements. Serine is sometimes taken as a dietary supplement because it is thought to improve brain health. However, since PHGDH is responsible for producing serine, the researchers are now concerned that taking extra serine could actually make things worse for people at risk of Alzheimer’s.
Their data shows that Alzheimer’s patients already have too much PHGDH activity, which means their brains might be making too much serine. Adding more through supplements could be harmful rather than helpful. Because of this, the scientists are advising caution until more research is done.
The study also suggests that testing for PHGDH levels in the blood might become a useful way to identify people who are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s before they start showing symptoms. This could allow for earlier treatment and better outcomes.
If doctors can detect the disease before significant brain damage occurs, they may be able to slow down its progression or prevent severe symptoms from developing.
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are ways to potentially lower the risk of developing it. Regular exercise is one effective strategy. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, reduces inflammation, and helps produce new brain cells.
A healthy diet is also important. A Mediterranean-style diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts, has been shown to be beneficial for brain health.
Keeping the brain active is another way to help protect it. Activities like reading, solving puzzles, learning new skills, and socializing can strengthen brain connections and may delay the onset of cognitive decline.
Additionally, managing chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, as these conditions are linked to brain health.
The study was led by Sheng Zhong and his team and was published in the journal Cell Metabolism. Their findings represent a major step forward in understanding Alzheimer’s and could pave the way for earlier diagnosis and better treatments in the future.
The discovery of PHGDH as a potential biomarker is particularly exciting because it could lead to simple blood tests that identify the disease long before it causes serious symptoms, giving patients and doctors more time to act.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies about the protective power of dietary antioxidants against Alzheimer’s, and eating habits linked to higher Alzheimer’s risk.
For more health information, 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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