Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common illnesses affecting older adults around the world. It is also a leading cause of dementia, which affects memory, thinking, and the ability to carry out daily activities.
For more than two decades, scientists have been trying to understand what causes Alzheimer’s, but the exact reason remains a mystery. Despite many studies, there is still no cure for this devastating disease.
There are currently two main theories about what causes Alzheimer’s. The first theory, which has been the focus of research for many years, suggests that a specific protein called amyloid-beta builds up in the brain.
This buildup is believed to disrupt brain cells and lead to the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Many drug treatments have been designed to target this protein, but so far, these efforts have not been very successful in stopping the disease.
The second theory is more recent and focuses on the brain’s energy-producing machinery—the mitochondria. Mitochondria are tiny structures inside cells that produce the energy needed for cells to function properly.
When mitochondria don’t work well, cells don’t get the energy they need, which can lead to problems in brain function. This theory suggests that the real root of Alzheimer’s may be linked to problems with these tiny energy factories rather than just the buildup of amyloid-beta.
A new study from Yale-NUS College supports this second theory. The team of scientists, led by Jan Gruber, used a small worm called Caenorhabditis elegans for their research. This tiny worm is often used in scientific studies because its cells work in very similar ways to human cells, especially when it comes to studying aging and brain health.
The researchers discovered that before any signs of amyloid-beta buildup appeared, there were already problems with the worms’ mitochondria. These problems, known as metabolic defects, made it hard for the cells to get the energy they needed.
To explore this further, the scientists treated the worms with a common anti-diabetes drug called Metformin. The results were surprising—the drug seemed to fix the metabolic defects, improving both the health and the lifespan of the worms.
This discovery suggests that issues with mitochondria might actually come before the buildup of amyloid-beta. If that’s true, it means that focusing on fixing mitochondrial problems early on could be a new way to prevent Alzheimer’s before it even starts.
The researchers believe that targeting these energy problems could be a powerful strategy to slow down or even prevent Alzheimer’s, rather than waiting until the disease is already causing damage to the brain.
This idea also ties into a bigger concept about aging. Metabolic and mitochondrial problems are common as people get older, not just in Alzheimer’s but in many age-related diseases.
The Yale-NUS team suggests that it might be more effective to focus on slowing down these aging processes instead of only trying to treat diseases after they appear. If aging itself can be slowed, the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s might also be reduced.
Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s
While there is currently no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s, research shows that certain lifestyle choices can reduce your risk. Here are some practical steps you can take:
Exercise Regularly
Studies have found that people who exercise regularly have up to a 50% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and helps maintain healthy brain cells. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can protect your brain. The Mediterranean diet, which includes lots of fish, olive oil, nuts, and fresh produce, has been linked to better brain health.
Stay Mentally Active
Keeping your brain busy can help maintain its health. Learning new skills, picking up new hobbies, or even doing puzzles can strengthen brain connections and keep your mind sharp.
Get Enough Sleep
Good sleep is important for brain health. Studies have shown that poor sleep can lead to the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain, increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s. Try to get 7–8 hours of sleep each night.
Manage Your Stress
Chronic stress is harmful to the brain. Finding ways to relax, such as through yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature, can help keep your brain healthy.
Stay Socially Connected
Social isolation has been linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s. Keeping in touch with family and friends and participating in group activities can help protect your brain.
Protect Your Head
Head injuries can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. Wearing a helmet when biking or playing sports and taking steps to prevent falls can help protect your brain.
While these steps cannot guarantee that you will not develop Alzheimer’s, they can certainly help reduce the risk. More importantly, they contribute to overall health and well-being, which is beneficial for both body and mind.
The Yale-NUS study, published in the journal eLife, introduces a fresh perspective on Alzheimer’s disease. It suggests that targeting mitochondrial health could be the key to preventing Alzheimer’s before it starts.
This approach could change how doctors think about treating not just Alzheimer’s but many other age-related diseases as well. If scientists can find ways to improve mitochondrial function, it might be possible to prevent memory loss and brain damage before it even begins.
While more research is needed, the study provides hope that one day, Alzheimer’s could be prevented rather than just treated. Until then, focusing on healthy lifestyle choices remains the best strategy for keeping your brain strong and healthy as you age.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about vitamin D deficiency linked to Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, and blood pressure problem at night may increase Alzheimer’s risk.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about antioxidants that could help reduce dementia risk, and epilepsy drug may help treat Alzheimer’s disease.
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