A study led by Betty Tijms of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam sheds important light on the complexity of Alzheimer’s disease by identifying five distinct subtypes of the disease, explaining possible treatment failures. Considering them separately could bring researchers closer to finding cures for at least some of the sufferers.
Alzheimer’s disease, a debilitating neurodegenerative disease, poses a major challenge to healthcare systems due to its increasing incidence in an aging population. Characterized by progressive changes in the brain, this cruel disease affects memory, cognitive functions and the ability to perform daily tasks.
Researchers have long tried to understand the underlying mechanisms of the disease, and although progress has been made, developing effective treatments remains a challenge.
Recently, a study led by Betty Tijms of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam shed new light on the complexity of Alzheimer’s disease. By analyzing the cerebrospinal fluid of more than 400 patients with the disease, the researchers identified five distinct subtypes of the disease, each with specific molecular characteristics.
The former is distinguished by a high production of beta-amyloid plaques, a well-known signature of Alzheimer’s disease. This subtype is closely related to the enrichment of the TREM2 gene, involved in the immune response of the brain.
The second subtype reveals excessive pruning of synapses, the connections between nerve cells, as well as abnormalities at the level of microglia, the brain’s immune cells. This alteration of neural connections and the brain’s immune response may contribute to the cognitive impairment seen in some patients.
The third shows the dysregulation of RNA, an essential molecule in gene regulation. Dysregulation of RNA, responsible for the transfer of genetic information, disrupts normal cellular processes, thus shedding new light on disease mechanisms.
The fourth subtype has problems with the choroid plexus, a structure that produces cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid, essential for protecting the brain, can undergo changes in these patients that can affect brain balance.
Finally, the last subtype is characterized by reduced production of beta-amyloid plaques and disruption of the blood-brain barrier. This alteration can inhibit nerve cell growth, highlighting the impact of this barrier on brain health.
Thus, this finding highlights the need to approach Alzheimer’s disease not as a homogeneous entity, but rather as a pathology composed of different subtypes that require distinct therapeutic approaches. If this approach is adopted in future clinical trials, it could provide a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying each disease variant and identify more precise therapeutic targets. Details of the study were published in the journal Nature Aging. (www.sciencepost.fr – January 10)/rcostea
RADOR RADIO ROMANIA (January 13)
2024-01-14 06:02:05
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