Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common and serious brain conditions in older adults. It develops slowly over time and affects memory, thinking, and daily life.
People with Alzheimer’s may forget recent events, feel confused, and struggle to make decisions. As the disease progresses, it becomes harder for them to care for themselves.
Scientists have been studying Alzheimer’s for many years. They know that the disease is linked to harmful changes in the brain.
These include the buildup of sticky plaques made of a protein called beta-amyloid and twisted fibers known as tangles. These changes damage brain cells and disrupt communication between them, which leads to memory loss and other symptoms.
One of the biggest challenges with Alzheimer’s is that it often begins many years before symptoms appear. By the time memory problems are noticed, the brain may already have been affected for a long time. This is why researchers are searching for ways to detect the disease earlier.
A new study from the University of California San Diego has made an important discovery that could help. Scientists found that high levels of an enzyme called PHGDH may act as an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s. This enzyme can be measured, and in the future, it may be possible to detect it through a simple blood test.
PHGDH plays a role in producing an amino acid called serine. Serine is important for building proteins and supporting normal brain function. In healthy people, PHGDH levels are carefully controlled. However, the researchers found that in people with Alzheimer’s, PHGDH levels were much higher than normal, even before symptoms started.
To confirm their findings, the scientists examined brain tissue samples from people over the age of 50. These samples came from four different research groups. Each group included individuals with Alzheimer’s, individuals with early brain changes, and individuals with healthy brains.
Across all groups, the pattern was clear. People with Alzheimer’s consistently showed higher levels of PHGDH compared to those with healthy brains.
The researchers also noticed that higher PHGDH levels were linked to poorer performance on memory and thinking tests. This suggests that the enzyme may be closely related to how the disease affects the brain.
The team also studied mice that were designed to develop Alzheimer’s-like symptoms. These mice showed the same pattern as humans, with increased levels of PHGDH in their brains. This strengthens the evidence that PHGDH is connected to the disease in both animals and people.
Another important finding from the study relates to serine supplements. Some people take serine as a dietary supplement in the hope of improving brain health.
However, since PHGDH helps produce serine, and people with Alzheimer’s already have increased activity in this pathway, adding more serine may not be helpful. In fact, it could potentially make things worse. The researchers advise caution and recommend waiting for more evidence before using serine supplements for brain health.
One of the most exciting possibilities from this research is the development of a blood test. If doctors can measure PHGDH levels in the blood, they may be able to identify people at risk of Alzheimer’s long before symptoms appear. Early detection could allow for earlier treatment and better management of the disease.
Although there is still no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are steps people can take to support brain health. Regular exercise can improve blood flow to the brain and reduce inflammation. Eating a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, may also help protect brain function.
Keeping the mind active is equally important. Activities like reading, solving puzzles, and learning new skills can help maintain cognitive function. Staying socially connected and managing health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can also reduce risk.
This study, led by researcher Sheng Zhong and published in the journal Cell Metabolism, brings scientists closer to understanding how Alzheimer’s begins. It also offers hope that one day, a simple blood test could help detect the disease early and improve the lives of millions of people.
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