EurekAlert! In the Spotlight - Alzheimer's Awareness Month

In honor of Alzheimer's Awareness Month, we’re exploring the science and stories surrounding Alzheimer’s disease.

Shared synaptic mechanism for Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s disease unlocks new treatment possibilities

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases are the two most common neurodegenerative disorders, affecting millions of people worldwide. Published in the Journal of Neuroscience, new research from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) suggests a shared molecular cascade between the two diseases which causes synaptic dysfunctions, advancing our understanding of how their symptoms are produced.

Funder: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, KAKENHI Grant

4-Nov-2025

Study pinpoints source of free radicals in the brain that may fuel dementia

Weill Cornell Medicine
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers have discovered that free radicals generated at a specific site in non-neuronal brain cells called astrocytes, may promote dementia, according to a Weill Cornell Medicine study. Their findings, published Nov. 4 in Nature Metabolism, demonstrated that blocking this site lowered brain inflammation and protected neurons, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative disorders, including frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Journal: Nature Metabolism

3-Nov-2025

Protein plays unexpected dual role in protecting brain from oxidative stress damage

Johns Hopkins Medicine
Peer-Reviewed Publication

New research from Johns Hopkins Medicine shows that the enzyme biliverdin reductase A (BVRA) plays a direct protective role against oxidative stress in neurons, independent of its role producing the yellow pigment bilirubin.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Funder: American Heart Association, Paul Allen Foundation Initiative in Brain Health and Cognitive Impairment, NIH/National Institutes of Health, NIH/National Institutes of Health, NIH/National Institutes of Health, NIH/National Institutes of Health, NIH/National Institutes of Health, NIH/National Institutes of Health, NIH/National Institutes of Health, NIH/National Institutes of Health, Solve-ME foundation, U.S. Department of Defense, the Valour Foundation, the Wick Foundation, Department of Veterans Affairs Merit Award, Louis Stokes VA Medical Center resources and facilities, Lincoln Neurotherapeutics Research Fund, Leonard Krieger Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, Meisel & Pesses Family Foundation

3-Nov-2025

Even modest amounts of physical activity may slow Alzheimer’s disease among at-risk older adults

Mass General Brigham
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Increasing your steps by even a little bit may help slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease among people at heightened risk, according to a new study.

Journal: Nature Medicine
Funder: NIH/National Institutes of Health, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center

3-Nov-2025

Optimal cardiovascular health among people with Type 2 diabetes may offset dementia risk

American Heart Association
Reports and Proceedings

Optimal cardiovascular health, based on the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 metrics, may decrease the risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia for adults with Type 2 diabetes.

Meeting: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2025

3-Nov-2025

New switch for programmed cell death identified

Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Peer-Reviewed Publication

- Science learns from nature's methods

- Potential benefits for future therapies against cancer and Alzheimer's disease

- Joint research by TUM and Helmholtz Munich

In the fight against disease, programmed cell death – also known as apoptosis – is a key protective function of the body. It breaks down cells that are damaged or have undergone dangerous changes. However, cancer cells often manage to override this mechanism. A research team at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has now succeeded in identifying a new molecular switch in this process and elucidating how it works.

Journal: Nature Communications

Welcome to In the Spotlight, where each month we shine a light on something exciting, timely, or simply fascinating from the world of science.

Latest News Releases

Shared synaptic mechanism for Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s disease unlocks new treatment possibilities

Study pinpoints source of free radicals in the brain that may fuel dementia

Protein plays unexpected dual role in protecting brain from oxidative stress damage

Even modest amounts of physical activity may slow Alzheimer’s disease among at-risk older adults

Optimal cardiovascular health among people with Type 2 diabetes may offset dementia risk

New switch for programmed cell death identified