Recent studies have unveiled critical insights into the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, revealing it unfolds in two distinct stages. Researchers from the University of Washington and the Allen Institute for Brain Science analyzed genetic activity in brain cells of individuals who died with Alzheimer’s, discovering a slow initial increase in inflammation followed by rapid neuronal degeneration.
The first phase occurs prior to the onset of memory loss symptoms, suggesting earlier opportunities for diagnosis and intervention. The second phase is marked by severe neuronal damage and the accumulation of protein plaques, correlating with significant cognitive decline.
In a separate study by Yale-NUS College, researchers proposed that metabolic dysfunction, particularly involving mitochondria, may be a key factor in Alzheimer’s development. Using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, scientists observed metabolic issues that mirrored those in Alzheimer’s patients. Notably, treatment with Metformin, a common diabetes medication, reversed metabolic problems and extended the worms' healthy lifespan.
This finding indicates potential for Metformin as a preventive treatment against Alzheimer’s, shifting the focus from managing symptoms to addressing underlying metabolic issues. Both studies emphasize the importance of early intervention and the need for a holistic understanding of aging and its impact on brain health.
These discoveries could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing Alzheimer’s by targeting metabolic health, rather than solely focusing on amyloid-beta protein accumulation.