Alzheimer's: Targeting the Brain's "Forgotten" Cells

Imagine watching the person you love most slowly slip away, piece by piece.

They forget your name, face, and the lifetime of memories you’ve shared. They become a shell of their former selves, lost in a fog of confusion and fear.

This is the heartbreaking reality for millions of families touched by Alzheimer’s. It’s a cruel and relentless thief, robbing people of their thoughts, their personalities, and their dignity.

But amidst the darkness, scientists are working tirelessly to unravel the mysteries of this disease.

And an exciting study has shed light on a promising new target for treatment.

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine identified a specific type of brain cell that could hold the key to unlocking new therapies for Alzheimer’s.

These cells, called astrocytes, have long been considered the brain’s “supporting players,” overshadowed by neurons.

But it turns out they may play a starring role in the development of Alzheimer’s.

The study, published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, found that astrocytes in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients undergo a toxic transformation. They become enlarged, swollen, and start producing a protein called APOE4, which is known to increase Alzheimer’s risk.

But here’s where it gets really interesting. The researchers discovered that these toxic astrocytes tend to cluster around amyloid plaques—the sticky clumps of protein that are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.

In fact, the more APOE4 the astrocytes produce, the more amyloid plaques form. It’s a vicious cycle that ultimately leads to the death of neurons and the cognitive decline we see in Alzheimer’s patients.

So, what does this mean for treatment? Well, the researchers believe that targeting these toxic astrocytes could be a game-changer.

By developing therapies that prevent astrocytes from becoming enlarged and producing APOE4, we may be able to slow down or even stop the formation of amyloid plaques. This could potentially halt the progression of Alzheimer’s in its tracks.

Of course, more research is needed. But for the millions of people living with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones, any step forward is cause for celebration.

It’s important to remember that Alzheimer’s is complex, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But by understanding the factors that contribute to the disease’s development, we’re getting one step closer to a cure.

In the meantime, if you or someone you love is facing cognitive decline, there are some natural supplements that may help boost brain health.

  • Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, have been shown to improve memory and cognitive function.
  • Ginkgo biloba, an ancient Chinese herb, is also known for its ability to enhance brain power.

As always, talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.

P.S. Could this “nutrient cocktail” slow brain aging to a crawl? Find out here.

Source:

Jong Huat, T., Newcombe, E. A., Onraet, T., Campbell, D., Sucic, J. T., Martini, A., Forner, S., Mirzaei, M., Poon, W., LaFerla, F. M., & Medeiros, R. (2024). The impact of astrocytic NF-κB on healthy and Alzheimer’s disease brains. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 1-14.

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More Free Articles

Sweet Cancer Breakthrough Creates a Buzz

That jar of honey in your pantry might be more than just a sweet treat. In fact, if it’s the right variety, it could be a secret weapon against one of the most common forms of cancer affecting women. (Can you even imagine a world in which fighting this killer could be as simple as...

Read This

EASY Morning Routine Fights Frailty

Think you don’t have a muscle loss problem? Think again! The fact is we ALL lose muscle mass as we age. It starts sometime in your 30s or 40s and ramps up in your senior years, between 65 and 80. In fact, you can lose up to eight percent of muscle mass every decade! This...

Read This

“Dirty Brain” Breakthrough Slashes Brain Disease Risk

Have you ever wondered why seniors are more prone to diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s? (And no, it’s not because we’re running out of room from storing decades-worth of information!) In truth, scientists have long suspected it’s related to the brain’s ability to clean itself. Now, groundbreaking research has revealed why this happens and a...

Read This

Tiny Troublemaker Ramps Up Arthritis Pain [5 Ways to Fight Back]

If you’re one of the millions living with rheumatoid arthritis, you might be surprised to learn that the key to managing your condition could be right under your nose—or, more precisely, in your mouth. Recent research from Tokyo Medical and Dental University uncovered a fascinating link between oral health and the severity of arthritis symptoms....

Read This

Evaluate Your Health with Five “Living Room” Tests

You don’t need a medical degree or expensive equipment to get a snapshot of your health. In fact, there are five simple tests you can do right now from the comfort of your own living room (or neighborhood) that will give you valuable insights into your overall fitness and well-being. Let’s take a look at...

Read This

How the War on Fat Is Harming Your Health

For decades, we’ve been taught to fear fat. Low-fat and fat-free products have been practically shoved down our throats. It’s been drilled into our heads that fat is enemy no. 1. But what if I told you that this fat phobia is likely doing far more harm than good? In fact, a “forgotten fat” could...

Read This

Mailbag: Diabetes Busting Solutions that WORK

“How do you eliminate diabetes and can supplements help?” – Seeking Solutions ***** Dear Seeking, Let’s first be sure we’re talking about the same thing: type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body can no longer produce insulin. It can be a challenging condition to manage. But if you...

Read This

Health Risks of Plant-Based Eating EXPOSED (Study)

You’ve seen the headlines. “Go vegan for your health!” “Plant-based is the way forward!” But before you ditch that steak for a veggie burger, there’s something you need to know… A shocking new study has uncovered a dirty little secret in the world of plant-based eating. And it might just make you think twice about...

Read This

Potent Extract Boosts Immune Function

Remember when CBD products were suddenly popping up everywhere, from trendy cafes to your local gas station? Well, while the initial craze has settled, this powerful compound is still making waves in the health world. And its latest trick could be a godsend for folks who need to beef up their immune system… A new...

Read This

Don’t Ignore This Weight Loss Drug WARNING

By now, you’ve heard the buzz about GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Ozempic. They’re being hailed as game-changers in the fight against obesity, with everyone from celebrities to everyday folks singing their praises. But what if I told you these miracle medications might be hiding a dark secret? Or that ignoring this potential side...

Read This