What does a brain affected by Alzheimer's disease look like? More specifically, how do the proteins present in the brains of Dementia and Alzheimer's disease patients appear? A clear view of the structures of these proteins will enable scientists to find a cure for these diseases affecting millions of people.

Now for the first time, with the help of 3D imaging, scientists at the UK's Leeds University have revealed the molecular structures of the two key proteins present in brains affected by Alzheimer's and dementia.

These proteins are β-amyloid and tau, which form plaques and abnormal filaments in the brain that lead to dementia and Alzheimer's disease, the most common ailments of memory loss and cognitive impairment. While it is not conclusively proven that these proteins are the only cause of the two diseases, they have been present in brains affected by Dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

"In the longer term, it is hoped that observing this interplay of proteins within tissues will accelerate identifying new targets for next-generation mechanism-based therapeutics and diagnostics," Leeds University said in a release on the study, which was published in Nature Journal.

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The study is part of efforts to understand the environment in which these proteins exist and find out how they interact with surrounding cells and tissues, specifically those affected by Alzheimer's and Dementia.

To explore deep inside an Alzheimer’s disease brain, scientists created 3D maps using cryo-electron tomography and fluorescence microscopy.&nbsp;

With these 3D maps, they could "observe proteins, the molecular building blocks of life a million times smaller than a grain of rice, within the brain," said the release from Leeds University. "This study revealed the molecular structure of tau in tissue, how amyloids are arranged, and new molecular structures entangled within this pathology in the brain."

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β-amyloid plaques and tau filaments disrupt cellular communication, causing memory loss and confusion, and eventual death of healthy cells.

"This first glimpse of the structure of molecules inside the human brain offers further clues to what happens to proteins in Alzheimer’s disease but also sets out an experimental approach that can be applied to better understand a broad range of other devastating neurological diseases," said Dr Rene Frank, lead author of the study and Associate Professor, School of Biomedical Sciences at Leeds University.

This study was done in&nbsp;collaboration with Amsterdam UMC, Zeiss Microscopy, and the University of Cambridge.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

What does a brain affected by Alzheimer's disease look like? More specifically, how do the proteins present in the brains of Dementia and Alzheimer's disease patients appear?

What does a brain affected by Alzheimer's disease look like? More specifically, how do the proteins present in the brains of Dementia and Alzheimer's disease patients appear? A clear view of the structures of these proteins will enable scientists to find a cure for these diseases affecting millions of people. Now for the first time, with the help of 3D imaging, scientists at the UK's Leeds University have revealed the molecular structures of the two key proteins present in brains affected by Alzheimer's and dementia. These proteins are β-amyloid and tau, which form plaques and abnormal filaments in the brain that lead to dementia and Alzheimer's disease, the most common ailments of memory loss and cognitive impairment. While it is not conclusively proven that these proteins are the only cause of the two diseases, they have been present in brains affected by Dementia and Alzheimer's disease. "In the longer term, it is hoped that observing this interplay of proteins within tissues will accelerate identifying new targets for next-generation mechanism-based therapeutics and diagnostics," Leeds University said in a release on the study, which was published in Nature Journal. Also read: How menstrual cycle affects your mood and behaviour? Medical expert answers The study is part of efforts to understand the environment in which these proteins exist and find out how they interact with surrounding cells and tissues, specifically those affected by Alzheimer's and Dementia. To explore deep inside an Alzheimer’s disease brain, scientists created 3D maps using cryo-electron tomography and fluorescence microscopy. With these 3D maps, they could "observe proteins, the molecular building blocks of life a million times smaller than a grain of rice, within the brain," said the release from Leeds University. "This study revealed the molecular structure of tau in tissue, how amyloids are arranged, and new molecular structures entangled within this pathology in the brain." Also watch: Cancer rates among under 50s risen 24% since 1995, why are so many young adults getting the disease? β-amyloid plaques and tau filaments disrupt cellular communication, causing memory loss and confusion, and eventual death of healthy cells. "This first glimpse of the structure of molecules inside the human brain offers further clues to what happens to proteins in Alzheimer’s disease but also sets out an experimental approach that can be applied to better understand a broad range of other devastating neurological diseases," said Dr Rene Frank, lead author of the study and Associate Professor, School of Biomedical Sciences at Leeds University. This study was done in collaboration with Amsterdam UMC, Zeiss Microscopy, and the University of Cambridge. (With inputs from agencies)

A deep look inside Alzheimer's brain: Molecule structure of proteins unveiled for first time

What can be called a massive breakthrough in the field of fighting Alzheimer's, a research said Monday (July 17) that an experimental medicine from Eli Lilly works best if Alzheimer's patients are treated as early as possible with it.

What can be called a massive breakthrough in the field of fighting Alzheimer's, a research said Monday (July 17) that an experimental medicine from Eli Lilly works best if Alzheimer's patients are treated as early as possible with it. The research, published in JAMA, emerged as a new ray of hope for all those who are suffering from this condition. It says that the medication would ideally help before patients develop symptoms of the brain-wasting disease. This is the latest promising development for treating the most common form of dementia. Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that affects the brain. It slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and the ability to carry out the simplest tasks in day-to-day life. The new trial data was presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Amsterdam. It stated that the medicine, Donanemab, has been shown to slow the progression of memory and thinking problems by about a third. However, the rate doubles to 60 per cent if it is started when patients are only mildly impaired. Also read: Eli Lilly's new Alzheimer's drug shows promise of slowing down memory decline There's no cure for Alzheimer's or any disease-modifying treatment, but Donanemab has shown positive results in its first trials. The research included over 1,700 patients, and a comprehensive analysis of the trial revealed that results were less robust for older, later-stage individuals, as well as those with greater levels of tau, a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease progression. Anne White, who is the president of neuroscience at Lilly, said that the findings highlight that "earlier detection and diagnosis can really change the trajectory of this disease". Company awaits FDA approval The medicine has not been approved yet, as Lilly expects the US Food and Drug Administration to determine whether to approve Donanemab before the end of this year. The company said that the submissions to additional global regulators are underway and that the majority will be finished by the end of the year. This medication is like the recently approved Eisai and Biogen drug Leqembi, which is an injectable antibody designed to remove deposits of a protein called beta-amyloid from Alzheimer's patient's brains. Dr Susan Kohlhaas, who is the executive director of research and partnerships at Alzheimer's Research UK referred to Lilly's data released on Monday, and said that "these results provide further confirmation that removing amyloid from the brain can change the course of Alzheimer's, and may help people affected by this devastating disease if they're treated at the right time." Also read: Research discovers repair process that fixes damaged hearing cells Are we winning against Alzheimer's? The result is promising, and millions of people who are struggling hope to make their lives better. Maybe not fully, but to help them partially as the brain disorder due to Alzheimer's gets worse over time. While dealing with Alzheimer's, what's important first and foremost is to raise awareness and address the common stigma that surrounds disease-related dementia. A World Health Organization (WHO) published earlier this year in March mentioned that more than 55 million people have dementia worldwide currently, over 60 per cent of whom live in low-and middle-income countries. Every year, there are nearly 10 million new cases. Dementia is caused by a number of diseases and traumas to the brain and Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-70 per cent of cases. Dementia is now the seventh largest cause of death and one of the primary causes of impairment and dependency among the world's elderly, WHO said. Maybe we are not winning, but even a positive breakthrough can be massive for those who are losing cognitive functioning and behavioural abilities. Watch this report: × Are there side effects? Lilly's research states that brain swelling, a recognised side effect of amyloid-clearing antibodies, occurred in more than 40 per cent of Alzheimer's patients. According to the company, brain swelling affected 24 per cent of the entire Donanemab treatment group. Brain haemorrhage occurred in approximately 31 per cent of the Donanemab group and around 14 per cent of the placebo group. According to the researchers, the medication was connected to the deaths of three study patients. The study investigator Dr Liana Apostolova, who is a professor in Alzheimer's Disease research at Indiana University School of Medicine, said that "these side effects should not be taken lightly," but most cases were manageable by monitoring with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or stopping the medicine. She said that doctors are likely to use "very stringent MRI safety screening while we treat these patients". Donanemab's treatment impact increased relative to the placebo during the duration of the 18-month trial, according to Lilly, even for patients who were taken off the drug after their levels of amyloid deposits dropped dramatically. Meanwhile, White said that "at the end of the trial, the average patient had been without drug for seven months and yet they continued to benefit." She said the findings support the idea that Donanemab can be stopped once amyloid is cleared from the brain. Dr Liz Coulthard, an associate professor in dementia neurology at the University of Bristol, said, "Some patients did not worsen significantly during the trial and on the average progression of disease was slowed 4.4-7.5 months over 18 months." Despite the side effects, some are hopeful. Dr Reisa Sperling, who directs the Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, said that the latest study "gives me great hope" for the outcomes of those prevention trials. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Will we defeat Alzheimer's? Why new trial with 60% success is a beacon of hope

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel unanimously endorsed Lecanemab (Leqembi) to combat the progression of Alzheimer's. It is a breakthrough in Alzheimer's treatment.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel unanimously endorsed Lecanemab (Leqembi) to combat the progression of Alzheimer's. It is a breakthrough in Alzheimer's treatment. Experts called the clinical trial results of Lecanemab robust, clear, and consistent. It offers hope for 6.5 million individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease. However, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have added a condition to Lecanemab's coverage, Hindustan Times reported. CMS will cover the drug for patients who join a national registry. Patients, doctors, and caretakers are concerned about the registration process and timeline. CMS's Coverage Criteria Alzheimer's Association has expressed their disagreement with the criteria implemented by CMS. According to them, it is unnecessary and could hinder patients' medical coverage. They believe that individuals with Alzheimer's disease should have unrestricted access to FDA-approved therapies, similar to patients with cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS. The Alzheimer's Association believes these life-changing treatments must be available to all. The coverage delays and restrictions also have financial implications. Despite the CMS's reservations, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will provide lecanemab for patients within the VA system. More about lecanemab In clinical trials, lecanemab showed a 27 per cent slower decline in cognitive abilities among individuals with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's dementia. The drug also demonstrated the potential to increase the capability of patients to perform tasks like dressing and feeding themselves. Side effects of lecanemab The side effects of lecanemab include infusion site reactions and amyloid-related imagining abnormalities (ARIA), characterised by swelling in the brain. According to lecanemab's current label, doctors must monitor patients using MRI imagery to detect signs of ARIA. Unfortunately, Alzheimer's disease has no cure till now. Its advanced stages can lead to severe brain function loss, dehydration, malnutrition, and fatal infections. Lecanemab is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease. But it is an FDA-approved treatment that changes the course of the disease for people in the early stages. According to reports, manufacturers of lecanemab set the price at $26,500 a year. ALSO READ | NASA detects brightest gamma-ray burst of all time, it's 70 times brighter than previous record holder Lecanemab is appropriate for people with early Alzheimer's with diagnosed elevated beta-amyloid. According to the Alzheimer's Association, researchers tested the drug on people living with early Alzheimer's dementia and MCI due to Alzheimer's. These patients have a buildup of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. However, people with more advanced stages of Alzheimer's or those without clinical symptoms did not participate in the clinical trials. Thus, there's no evidence of whether lecanemab would work on patients with a more complicated case of Alzheimer's. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

FDA-approved drug Lecanemab becomes hope for millions of Alzheimer's patients

A decade-long study suggests that a combination of healthy lifestyle choices may help in slowing down the rate of memory decline and can help in reducing the risk of dementia. Inculcating simple activities like eating well, regular exercise, playing cards and socialising at least twice a week can help in reducing the risk of dementia.&nbsp;

As memory is a fundamental function of daily life and as the brain is the most occupied organ of the body, it continuously declines as people age which hampers the quality of life and productivity.&nbsp;

In order to counter this or diminish the effects of dementia, evidence from a recent study has shown that a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial to keep the memory of a person intact. All the previous research in this area has been insufficient to evaluate the effect of a healthy lifestyle on the trajectory of memory, but now we can say that healthy lifestyle choices are linked with softening the speed of memory decline.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-are-dark-chocolates-really-a-healthier-choice-555382">Are dark chocolates really a healthier choice?</a>

"A combination of positive healthy behaviours is associated with a slower rate of memory decline in cognitively normal older adults", researchers from the National Centre for Neurological Disorders in Beijing, China, wrote in the BMJ.

Practising multiple healthy lifestyle choices together "was associated with a lower probability of progression to mild cognitive impairment and dementia", they added.

Researchers analysed 29,000 adults aged over 60 with normal cognitive function who were part of the China Cognition and Aging Study.

A healthy lifestyle score was calculated by combining six factors:

<ul>
	<li>A healthy diet</li>
	<li>Regular exercise</li>
	<li>Active social contact</li>
	<li>Cognitive activity</li>
	<li>Non-smoking</li>
	<li>Not drinking alcohol</li>
</ul>

Based on their score, ranging from zero to six, participants were put into lifestyle groups, favourable (four to six healthy factors), average (two to three healthy factors), or unfavourable (0 to 1 healthy factors) – and into APOE-carrier and non-carrier groups.

WATCH |&nbsp;Scientists reveal how to detect signs of Dementia 9 years before diagnosis

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The healthy lifestyle choices that can help slow down the rate of memory decline:&nbsp;

1. According to the research, a healthy diet was deemed as eating at least seven out of these 12 food groups: fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, dairy, salt, oil, eggs, cereals, legumes, nuts and tea.

2. Writing, reading, playing cards or other games at least twice a week was the second area of healthy behaviour.

3. Other areas included drinking no alcohol, exercising for more than 150 minutes a week at moderate intensity or more than 75 at a vigorous intensity, and never having smoked or been an ex-smoker.

4. Social contact at least twice a week was the sixth healthy behaviour, including activities such as visiting family and friends, attending meetings or going to parties.

After accounting for factors likely to affect the results, the researchers found that each individual healthy behaviour was associated with a slower-than-average decline in memory over 10 years.

Dr Susan Mitchell, head of policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said, "This is a well-conducted study, which followed people over a long period of time, and adds to the substantial evidence that a healthy lifestyle can help to support memory and thinking skills as we age."

The BMJ concluded, "People with four to six healthy behaviours or two to three were almost 90% and almost 30% respectively less likely to develop dementia or mild cognitive impairment relative to those who were the least healthy"

&nbsp;

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A decade-long study suggests that a combination of healthy lifestyle choices may help in slowing down the rate of memory decline and can help in reducing the risk of dementia.

A decade-long study suggests that a combination of healthy lifestyle choices may help in slowing down the rate of memory decline and can help in reducing the risk of dementia. Inculcating simple activities like eating well, regular exercise, playing cards and socialising at least twice a week can help in reducing the risk of dementia. As memory is a fundamental function of daily life and as the brain is the most occupied organ of the body, it continuously declines as people age which hampers the quality of life and productivity. In order to counter this or diminish the effects of dementia, evidence from a recent study has shown that a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial to keep the memory of a person intact. All the previous research in this area has been insufficient to evaluate the effect of a healthy lifestyle on the trajectory of memory, but now we can say that healthy lifestyle choices are linked with softening the speed of memory decline. Also Read | Are dark chocolates really a healthier choice? "A combination of positive healthy behaviours is associated with a slower rate of memory decline in cognitively normal older adults", researchers from the National Centre for Neurological Disorders in Beijing, China, wrote in the BMJ. Practising multiple healthy lifestyle choices together "was associated with a lower probability of progression to mild cognitive impairment and dementia", they added. Researchers analysed 29,000 adults aged over 60 with normal cognitive function who were part of the China Cognition and Aging Study. A healthy lifestyle score was calculated by combining six factors: A healthy diet Regular exercise Active social contact Cognitive activity Non-smoking Not drinking alcohol Based on their score, ranging from zero to six, participants were put into lifestyle groups, favourable (four to six healthy factors), average (two to three healthy factors), or unfavourable (0 to 1 healthy factors) – and into APOE-carrier and non-carrier groups. WATCH | Scientists reveal how to detect signs of Dementia 9 years before diagnosis × The healthy lifestyle choices that can help slow down the rate of memory decline: 1. According to the research, a healthy diet was deemed as eating at least seven out of these 12 food groups: fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, dairy, salt, oil, eggs, cereals, legumes, nuts and tea. 2. Writing, reading, playing cards or other games at least twice a week was the second area of healthy behaviour. 3. Other areas included drinking no alcohol, exercising for more than 150 minutes a week at moderate intensity or more than 75 at a vigorous intensity, and never having smoked or been an ex-smoker. 4. Social contact at least twice a week was the sixth healthy behaviour, including activities such as visiting family and friends, attending meetings or going to parties. After accounting for factors likely to affect the results, the researchers found that each individual healthy behaviour was associated with a slower-than-average decline in memory over 10 years. Dr Susan Mitchell, head of policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said, "This is a well-conducted study, which followed people over a long period of time, and adds to the substantial evidence that a healthy lifestyle can help to support memory and thinking skills as we age." The BMJ concluded, "People with four to six healthy behaviours or two to three were almost 90% and almost 30% respectively less likely to develop dementia or mild cognitive impairment relative to those who were the least healthy" WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Physical exercise, social contact, cognitive activity can help reduce the risk of dementia: Study

New findings published in the Journal of the Alzheimer's Association found that future at-risk people could be screened to help identify those who could benefit from early interventions, or those suitable for clinical trials for new treatments. Watch this to know more.

Scientists reveal how to detect signs of Dementia 9 years before diagnosis