Analyzing the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease
A deeper understanding of how Alzheimer’s disease progresses is crucial for improving early intervention strategies and potentially preventing its onset. Research suggests that inflammatory dysfunction of microglia plays a critical role in the early stages of the disease. New approaches aimed at modifying microglia behavior, eliminating senescent microglia, or clearing all microglia show promise in mitigating the disease’s progression. Animal studies support the need to test these strategies, especially in the pre-symptomatic stages when early detection assays are available.
Recent analysis of brain samples from Alzheimer’s patients involving over 400 brains has provided valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease. By examining individual cells in affected brain regions using single-cell RNA sequencing, researchers have identified distinct roles played by microglial cells and astrocytes in the accumulation of amyloid and tau proteins, as well as the subsequent cognitive decline. This intricate communication between different cell types leads to significant disruptions in brain function.
Link: https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/cellular-community-brain-drives-alzheimers-disease
