Autophagy: The Link Between Inflammation And Alzheimer’s

AsianScientist

Autophagy is the process by which cells rid themselves of and recycle waste products.  Macrophages are the cellular structures that through the process of autophagy, keep the body free of waste products and  foreign invaders, like bacteria. Macrophages evolved, in part, to fight inflammation.

Microglia are similar to macrophages in that, when operating properly, they clean the brain and nervous system of waste, including amyloid plaques and fibrillary tangles, the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.

Inflammation generally incites macrophages to work harder, but autophagy in microglia is actually suppressed in the face of inflammation.  Inflammation is a characteristic of the Alzheimer’s brain, and this suppression of autophagy accelerates Alzheimer’s progression.

Inactive or ineffective microglia can be considered to be another  hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

A team of South Korean scientists may have discovered the mechanism by which the function of microglia is impeded. The researchers believe their finding might lead to “a unique mechanism for the regulation of microglial autophagy and point to … a potential therapeutic target to regulate microglial function in brain disorders.”

An abstract of the article can be found here.

One of our recent posts provides a more in-depth account of microglia and their role in brain functioning. We also provide information on how microglia made ineffective by Alzheimer’s disease is being reinvigorated to do their job to rid the brain of plaques and tangles. Please respond to this email if you are interested to learn more about this groundbreaking light therapy for Alzheimer’s.

Read more» about microglia and how we might invigorate them to treat Alzheimer’s.

Study suggests how high blood pressure might contribute to Alzheimer’s

University of Rochester

We know that high blood pressure is one of the modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. This study is looking for the reason behind this link.

Even low-level activity may help reduce dementia risk

Healthline/Medical News Today

We know that exercise improves strength and balance, thereby decreasing fall rates in elderly people. Did you know that exercise is another of the modifiable risk factors for dementia? This study, done at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, found that even a little exercise is beneficial. The overall conclusion of the researchers was that “more daily movement is linked to better memory and thinking abilities. Higher levels of motor skills were also linked with better abilities in these areas.”

So, get moving…

Researchers investigate correlation between sleep disturbance, Alzheimer’s Disease

The Daily Texan

This study done at the University of Texas concentrated on obstructive sleep apnea. The research team found a high correlation between this sleep disorder and Alzheimer’s disease. This condition is very treatable, and should be on everyone’s list of “Ways to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease”.