‘Rejuvenating’ the Alzheimer’s brain

Press release:

Alzheimer’s disease is the main cause of dementia and current therapeutic strategies cannot prevent, slow down or cure the pathology. The disease is characterized by memory loss, caused by the degeneration and death of neuronal cells in several regions of the brain, including the hippocampus, which is where memories are initially formed. Researchers from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN) have identified a small molecule that can be used to rejuvenate the brain and counteract the memory loss.

New cells in old brains

The presence of adult-born cells in the hippocampus of old people was recently demonstrated in scientific studies. It suggests that, generally speaking, the so-called process of adult neurogenesis is sustained throughout adulthood. Adult neurogenesis is linked to several aspects of cognition and memory in both animal models and humans, and it was reported to sharply decrease in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers also found that higher levels of adult neurogenesis in these patients seem to correlate with better cognitive performance before death. “This could suggest that the adult-born neurons in our brain may contribute to a sort of cognitive reserve that could later on provide higher resilience to memory loss”, says Evgenia Salta, group leader at the NIN. Therefore, researchers from the NIN investigated if giving a boost to adult neurogenesis could help prevent or improve dementia in Alzheimer’s disease.

A small molecule with big potential

Salta: “Seven years ago, while studying a small RNA molecule that is expressed in our brain, called microRNA-132, we came across a rather unexpected observation. This molecule, which we had previously found to be decreased in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients, seemed to regulate homeostasis of neural stem cells in the central nervous system”. Back then, Alzheimer’s was thought to be a disease affecting only mature neuronal cells, so at first glance this finding did not seem to explain a possible role of microRNA-132 in the progression of Alzheimer’s.

In this study, the researchers set out to address whether microRNA-132 can regulate adult hippocampal neurogenesis in healthy and Alzheimer’s brains. Using distinct Alzheimer’s mouse models, cultured human neural stem cells and post-mortem human brain tissue, they discovered that this RNA molecule is required for the neurogenic process in the adult hippocampus. “Decreasing the levels of microRNA-132 in the adult mouse brain or in human neural stem cells in a dish impairs the generation of new neurons. However, restoring the levels of microRNA-132 in Alzheimer’s mice rescues neurogenic deficits and counteracts memory impairment related to adult neurogenesis”, Sarah Snoeck, technician in the group of Salta, explains.

These results provide a proof-of-concept regarding the putative therapeutic potential of bringing about adult neurogenesis in Alzheimer’s. Salta: “Our next goal is to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of targeting microRNA-132 as a therapeutic strategy in Alzheimer’s disease“.

Advertisement:

SaleBestseller No. 1
The End of Alzheimer's: The First Program to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline
  • Bredesen, Dale (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 320 Pages - 07/21/2020 (Publication Date) - Avery (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 2
The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease and Other Dementias (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)
  • Mace, Nancy L. (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 360 Pages - 08/10/2021 (Publication Date) - Johns Hopkins University Press (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 3
The End of Alzheimer's Program: The First Protocol to Enhance Cognition and Reverse Decline at Any Age
  • Bredesen, Dale (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 352 Pages - 09/06/2022 (Publication Date) - Avery (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 4
Reversing Alzheimer's: The New Toolkit to Improve Cognition and Protect Brain Health
  • Audible Audiobook
  • Heather Sandison (Author) - Heather Sandison, Teri Clark Linden (Narrators)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 06/11/2024 (Publication Date) - HarperAudio (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 5
Fidget Blanket for Adults with Dementia,Dementia Activities for Seniors,Alzheimers Dementia Products for Elderly,Toddler Busy Board ,Fidget Toys,Autism Sensory Toys for Autistic Children.
  • 【Relieve Anxiety】Patient with Alzheimer or dementia will become anxious and nervous when they have nothing to do. the fidget blanket for dementia features touch-sensory exercises to relieve anxiety and provide many kinds of interesting game,help to relax.its a essential dementia products for elderly.games for people with dementia
  • 【Fidget Blanket Bag】The fidget blanket for adults with dementia included 13 stimulating sensory items to encourage a sense of calm, This sensory blanket provides sensory activities for people suffering from memory loss, dementia, autism, Asperger’s, Alzheimer’s, ADHD, anxiety and more. It is a great blanket for Alzheimer’s patients!
  • 【Size】The fidget blanket for adults with dementia measures approximately 22 x 28cm folded and is approximately 45 x 28cm unfolded, with handles,easy to store and carry out.
  • 【Ideal Gifts for Patients with Dementia】This fidget blanket is a Ideal alzheimers gifts for any nursing or care home! dementia activities for seniors keeping busy will help to relieve anxiety and keep hands busy in a safe and calming way.
  • 【Multipurpose Busy Board】the fidget blanket not only a dementia products for elderly,also suitable for kids,its a nice busy board for toddlers 2-4,fidget toys are ideal gift for anyone you loved.busy board can improve fine motor skills, strengthen hand-eye coordination, and develop creative,also keeps them occupied while in car, airplane, or settings needing quiet.
Bestseller No. 6
Soobest Digital Dementia Alarm Clock Large Display for Seniors, Plug in Electric Date Day of Week Calendar Clock 12 Alarms 3 Ringtones for Elderly Memory Loss Alzheimer’s, Auto DST (7" Black)
  • 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗟𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝗗 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝘀 - Soobest alarm clock has a 7’’ large HD elderly seniors friendly screen with versatile display, which could make clock time, date day of week calendar much more visible. You could even see the multi-information clearly from the other side of the bedroom. You can customize 4 display modes like white digits, yellow digits, analog clock face and color display in red white blue background.
  • 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝟭𝟮 𝗔𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝘀 - Soobest digital calendar day clock for senior has up to 12 sets of alarms, each alarm could be set as a reminder like a medicine reminder, meal reminder, shower reminder etc. When the alarm goes off, the clear colorful icon with specific words will also help your family member get rid of misunderstanding.
  • 𝗔𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗲 - There are 3 kinds of voice built-in the Soobest large digital alarm clock for senior. The wave sound will offer you an immersive experience of lying on a beach, and the birds sound could bring you into a greenery forest. The volume is also adjustable from level 1 – 10, select a comfortable volume for the senior or your kids.
  • 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗗𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 - Plug Soobest digital clock in an electric outlet, it can run accuracy and bright even for elderly seniors. Large display could auto dim at 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM if you select “auto” brightness in the setting or manual brightness level from Level 1-5. ( corded type C adapter included)
  • 𝟲 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 - Soobest large digital clock for seniors could show 6 different time period at corresponding time on the HD screen: pre dawn, morning, afternoon, evening, night, mid night. For example, when the time comes to 6:00 AM, the time period will display morning on the screen in case of seniors taking it for 6:00 PM by mistake.
SaleBestseller No. 7
Creating Moments of Joy Along the Alzheimer's Journey: A Guide for Families and Caregivers, Fifth Edition, Revised and Expanded
  • Brackey, Jolene (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 376 Pages - 11/15/2016 (Publication Date) - Purdue University Press (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 8
Alzheimer's Through the Stages: A Caregiver's Guide
  • Moller MSW CAS, Mary (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 182 Pages - 05/14/2019 (Publication Date) - Callisto (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 9
19 Alarms Digital Clock with Voice Talking Time, Auto DST, 20 Custom Reminders, 10-Level Auto Dimmer, 6 Display Modes, Day Date Calendar Clock for Seniors Dementia Alzheimers'- 7 Inch with Remote
  • 2025 BEST Clock with Voice-Talking Time Date: original 7-inch 1280x800HD digital clock displays and speaks out the Time, Day, Week and Date,with configurable Sun/Moon icons. Remote and Power Adaptor are included, no seperate purchase, a reliable aid for home, workplace or school
  • Advanced Timer with Customizable Visuals: soft light, without blue light, not hurts eyes. Custom the visuals and colors, adjust the colored Sun Moon icons according to your need; Digital calendar + Custom reminders display will get your daily to-do's organized effortlessly and run smoothly
  • Auto DST Adjustment & 7 Timer Cycles: no need to manually spring forward or fall back, MASSII clock has automatic DST adjustment in March and November. 7 cycles include MONRNING, NOON,AFTERNOON, EVENING, NIGHT, MIDNIGHT, PREDAWN. Custom time of morning brightening and night dimming as needed
  • Multiple Alarms & 20+ Custom Reminders: never miss a special event or task again! This digital clock with day and date comes with multiple reminders for medications and drinking water; More uniquely, You can also add, edit or upload 20+ reminders for a daily, weekly or even a date-specific schedule
  • All Accessaries Included & Saved Your Money: unlike the others, our MASSII clocks are with Certified Safety Adaptor and Remote Control included, No need to buy seperately ! With instant plug-and-play, Large AM/PM and More than 8 colors of font combination relieves your reading difficulty
Bestseller No. 10
Jispring [Silicone] Shape Puzzles for Dementia, Fidget Sensory Toys for Alzheimers, Cognitive Matching Games for Elderly, Dementia Activities for Seniors, Keeping Hands Busy, Anxiety Relief
  • [Activities for People with Dementia] Specially designed block puzzles to enhance the occupational therapy of patients with Dementia, Alzheimer’s or autism
  • [Fidgeting Toys] Designed to address restlessness during times of anxiety or agitation. Our sensory silicon blocks provide a tactile outlet keeping hands engaged in fidget activities
  • [Cognitive Sorting Games for Elderly] Gentle sorting puzzles promoting the fine motor skills and tactile stimulation through the use of soft and flexible silicone materials
  • [100% Silicone] Made of non-toxic and Food-grade silicone. These BPA-free products prioritize safety for seniors and individuals with dementia
  • [Perfect Gift Ideas] Thoughtful gift option for seniors or those in nursing homes or individuals in care facilities. No worries - there is no mention of dementia on the product or packaging

I get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.