PLCG2-P522R, a genetic variant that protects against Alzheimer's disease, enhances key functions of immune cells.
Psychopathy is associated with altered expression of genes and immune responses related to molecular pathways. In neurons, the up-regulation of PRL10P9 and ZNF132 and down-regulation of CDG5 and OPRD1 were linked to psychopathic behaviors. The genetic expression explained up to 92% of the variance of psychopathic symptoms. Researchers speculated these genes may be relevant to the lack of empathy and emotional callousness associated with psychopathy, as previous studies have linked a number of these genes to ASD and problematic social behaviors.
APOE4 increases the inflammatory response of human microglia while reducing cellular migration. The gene also impairs the metabolic activity of the immune cells. The findings show APOE4 has a profound impact on the basic functions of microglia.
A new study reveals antiepileptic drugs with side effects of impairing cognitive function can increase the risk of patients developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, the higher the dose of the medication used, the greater the risk of developing dementia, researchers report.
Alzheimer's patients who used antipsychotics had a 29% increased risk of head injury and a 22% higher risk of TBI compared to others with the neurodegenerative disease who did not use the medications.
Researchers have discovered a direct association between astrocytes and Alzheimer's disease. In a new study, researchers report astrocytes in the brains of Alzheimer's patients produced significantly more amyloid beta than astrocytes in the brains of people without the disease.
Researchers report an elevated risk of death in Alzheimer's patients who use benzodiazapines.
Researchers report boys with better motor skills tend to have higher cognitive scores over a two year follow up period than those with poorer motor skills. Additionally, boys with higher aerobic fitness had poorer cognition during the two year follow up than those with lower fitness levels.
Researchers have identified a link between reduced arginine levels and major depressive disorder.
Adding extra choline through eggs or meat to your daily diet could help stave off the effects of dementia. Higher phosphatidylcholine intake through diet was associated with lower rates of dementia and improved cognitive function in aging men.
Researchers report metabolite profiles alter in young people who consume alcohol at socially acceptable levels. Additionally, researchers found reduced gray matter volume in young women who are heavy drinkers.
Researchers discovered increased inflammatory activity in a subgroup of patients with frontotemporal dementia. The increased inflammation was indicated by elevated levels of cytokines known to increase inflammatory response and decreased levels of IL-10, which reduces inflammation. The inflammation was associated with Parkinsonism's symptoms and rapid cognitive and functional decline. The study also revealed patients with FTD are less likely to develop cancer.
