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

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted July 3, 2024

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.

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.

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