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Mass General

·August 30, 2023·3 min read

Educational Buffer: How Learning Slows Genetic Alzheimer’s Risk

Researchers examined the role of genetics and educational attainment in early-onset Alzheimer's disease, specifically focusing on carriers of the PSEN1 E280A mutation. They found that carriers with an additional high-risk mutation, APOE e4, experienced faster cognitive decline, while those with a protective APOE e2 mutation had delayed onset.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 25, 2023·5 min read

3D Model Reveals T Cell Role in Alzheimer’s Progression

Researchers developed a 3D cellular model to study the interactions between brain cells and immune cells in Alzheimer's disease. This new model, based on advanced microfluidic technology, demonstrates that specific immune cells, CT8+ T Cells, amplify Alzheimer's pathology when they infiltrate the brain.

Brain Cancer Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 2, 2023·6 min read

Promising Phase 2 Trial Results for Pembrolizumab in Metastatic Brain Cancer

A phase 2 clinical trial of pembrolizumab has shown promising results, with 42% of patients with metastatic brain cancer benefiting from the treatment. The trial found that pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy, was tolerated and demonstrated clinical benefit in patients with brain metastases.

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Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 19, 2023·4 min read

Potential New Treatment for a Leading Cause of Autism

Researchers have identified a potential new treatment method for Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), a leading cause of autism spectrum disorders. The method involves contracting the CGG trinucleotide repeat in the FMR1 gene, thereby restoring the essential FMRP protein expression necessary for brain development.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 19, 2023·5 min read

Is the BCG Vaccine a Potential Shield Against Alzheimer’s?

A recent study suggests that the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, typically used to prevent tuberculosis, may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The study followed 6,467 individuals, over 15 years post their diagnosis with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Findings revealed patients who received the BCG vaccine had a 20% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and a 25% reduced risk of death.

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Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·May 18, 2023·5 min read

Prenatal Brain Genes Tied to Childhood Mental Illness Risk

The expression of certain genes in the brain before birth could influence the risk of developing various mental illnesses during childhood. Researchers found genetic patterns linked with adult psychiatric illnesses also correspond with psychiatric symptoms in children.

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Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·May 15, 2023·10 min read

Unraveling Alzheimer’s Mystery: Rare Gene Variant Offers New Hope for Treatment

A rare gene variant that may offer protection against Alzheimer's disease has been discovered. The breakthrough came from studying a patient with a predisposition for early-onset Alzheimer's who remained cognitively healthy until his late 60s.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 3, 2023·5 min read

Early Menopause, Later Start to Hormone Therapy May Increase Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Early onset menopause is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, but starting HRT at the time of menopause onset can help reduce the risk.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·March 3, 2023·4 min read

Artificial Intelligence Approach May Help Detect Alzheimer’s Disease From Routine Brain Imaging Tests

Using neuroimaging data, a new deep-learning algorithm was able to detect Alzheimer's disease with 90.2% accuracy.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·March 3, 2023·7 min read

NFL Players Who Experienced Concussion Symptoms During Careers Show Reduced Cognitive Performance Decades After Retirement

Retired football players who experienced concussions during their careers performed worse on cognitive tests than non-players. The findings add to the growing body of evidence that suggests head injuries experienced by football players accelerate cognitive aging. Researchers say the results underlie the importance of tracking concussion symptoms in football players as opposed to concussion diagnosis.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 10, 2023·4 min read

Certain Social Factors Can Predict Early Death in Older Adults

Researchers have compiled a comprehensive inventory of social aspects of the aging population that can predict longevity. Feeling socially isolated, living in a neighborhood with poor cleanliness, and lower perceived control over financial situations appear to contribute to early death in the aging population.

This shows a model of a brain with an implant chip on it

Featured Neuroscience

·January 14, 2023·6 min read

Clinical Trial Results Indicate Low Rate of Adverse Events Associated With Implanted Brain Computer Interface

Study reports that implanted brain-computer interfaces are similar in safety to more conventional brain implants used to manage neurodegenerative disorders.