Scientists Discover Brain Change That May Explain Alzheimer’s
Summary
A new study has found that around age 50, the brain’s main immune cells begin to be replaced by more inflammatory cells, which may help explain the link between normal aging and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. The research also showed early signs of weakening in protective brain cells and changes in the brain’s immune environment long before symptoms of dementia appear.Key Facts
- The study focused on the hippocampus, the brain area responsible for memory and learning.
- Microglia, the brain’s main immune cells, decline between ages 50 and 75.
- These microglia are replaced by cells similar to monocytes, which are typically found in the blood and are more inflammatory.
- This challenges the previous idea that microglia are lifelong and only renew themselves inside the brain.
- Researchers used advanced gene and epigenome mapping techniques to detect these changes.
- The study also found early damage to the blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from harmful substances.
- Aging reduces the 3D organization of the genome and causes loss of astrocytes, cells that support brain function.
- About 42% of Americans over age 55 may develop some form of dementia, according to estimates.
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