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dementia

The image shows 3 diagrams of beta amyloid plaque formations.

·February 27, 2013·2 min read

Researchers Identify Possible Treatment Window for Memory Problems

A new study identifies a potential treatment window of several years for plaques in the brain considered to cause memory loss in diseases such as Alzheimer's.

The image shows defective protein cells. The caption best describes the image.

Featured Genetics

·February 26, 2013·5 min read

Researchers Find Controlling Element of Huntington’s Disease

Researchers discover a three molecule complex could be a target for treating Huntington's Disease, a genetic and currently incurable brain disease which causes movement disorders and dementia.

The image shows a comparative brain PET scan of a person with alzheimer's and one without the disease.

Featured Genetics

·February 20, 2013·6 min read

Genome-Wide Imaging Study Identifies New Gene Associated with Alzheimer’s Plaques

Researchers combined genetic data with neuroimaging in order to identify genes associated with amyloid plaque deposits in Alzheimer's disease patients. The study is believed to be the first genome-wide association study of plaque deposits using a specialized PET scan tracer that binds to amyloid.

The image shows brain scans of Alzheimer's patients.

Featured Neurology

·February 19, 2013·2 min read

It’s Not Just Amyloid: White Matter Hyperintensities and Alzheimer’s Disease

A new study suggest that along with amyloid deposits, white matter hyperintensities may be a second necessary factor for the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

The image shows a chart of the activation and antagonists of NMDA receptors.

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience

·February 19, 2013·2 min read

Rewriting a Receptor’s Role

Researchers upend a long-held view about the basic functioning of a key receptor molecule involved in signaling between neurons. The study describes how a compound linked to Alzheimer's disease impacts NMDA receptors and weakens synaptic connections between brain cells.

The image shows a PET scan of a brain of a person with Alzheimer's disease.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 15, 2013·2 min read

Neuronal Activity Induces Tau Release from Healthy Neurons

Researchers discover neuronal activity can stimulate tau release from healthy neurons in the absence of cell death. The study shows treatment of neurons with known biological signaling molecules increases the release of tau into the culture medium.

The image shows a 3D schematic structure of IGF-1.

Featured Neurology

·February 14, 2013·3 min read

Low Protein Diet Slows Alzheimer’s in Mice

Researchers discovered that a low protein diet can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease in mice. By cycling between a normal and protein restricted diet, researchers noted both improvement in memory and a slowing in the advancement of the disease.

The image shows a coronal MRI scan of a patient with ALS.

Featured Neurology

·February 12, 2013·3 min read

Novel Protein May Help Detect Lou Gehrig’s Disease and Dementia

Researchers discover an abnormal protein that accumulates in the brains of patients affected with ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The findings have uncovered a potentially new therapeutic target and biomarker that would allow clinicians to confirm diagnosis of the diseases.

The image shows amyloid plaques in a mouse's hippocampus. The caption best explains the image.

Featured Neurology

·February 5, 2013·5 min read

Damaged Blood Vessels Loaded with Amyloid Worsen Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers have discovered that amyloid peptides are harmful to the blood vessels that supply the brain with blood in Alzheimer's disease, thus accelerating cognitive decline by limiting oxygen-rich blood and nutrients.

Featured Neurology

·January 15, 2013·2 min read

Major Step Toward an Alzheimer’s Vaccine

Researchers discovered a way to stimulate the brain's natural defense mechanisms in mice with Alzheimer's disease symptoms. This major breakthrough opens the door to the development of a treatment for Alzheimer's disease and a vaccine to prevent the illness.

Featured Neurology

·October 22, 2012·3 min read

Clue to Alzheimer’s Cause Found in Brain Samples

Researchers found a key difference in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease and those who are cognitively normal but still have brain plaques that characterize this type of dementia.

Featured Neurology

·October 2, 2012·2 min read

New Research Model to Aid Search for Degenerative Disease Cures

Efforts to treat disorders like Lou Gehrig’s disease, Paget’s disease, inclusion body myopathy and dementia will receive a considerable boost from a new research model created by UC Irvine scientists.