EurekAlert! In the Spotlight - Alzheimer's Awareness Month

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

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

Latest News Releases

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 22-Dec-2025 01:11 ET (22-Dec-2025 06:11 GMT/UTC)

10-Sep-2025

Alzheimer’s disease digital resources lacking for Latinos, Hispanics in Los Angeles years after COVID-19, study finds

University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Although Latinos and Hispanics are at elevated risk for Alzheimer’s disease and account for almost half of Los Angeles County’s population, a recent UCLA Health study finds that accessible digital resources for these communities remain in short supply since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Journal: Journal of Medical Internet Research

10-Sep-2025

Purdue-led study shows how fat disables the brain’s immune shield in Alzheimer’s disease  

Purdue University

It was long thought that fat in the brain played no role in neurodegenerative diseases, but Purdue University researchers are challenging that assumption.

Journal: Immunity
Funder: U.S. Department of Defense, NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH/National Institute of Mental Health, NIH/National Institutes of Health, NIH/National Institute on Aging

10-Sep-2025

URI study links microplastic exposure to Alzheimer’s disease in mice

University of Rhode Island
Peer-Reviewed Publication

After a previous study that showed how microplastics can infiltrate all systems of the body—including the blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from harmful substances as small as viruses and bacteria—URI pharmacy assistant professor Jaime Ross expanded the study to determine the brain health impacts of the plastic toxins. Her findings indicate that the accumulation of micro- and nanoplastics in the brain can lead to cognitive decline and even Alzheimer’s disease, especially in those who carry genetic risk factors.

Journal: Environmental Research Communications

10-Sep-2025

MIT study explains how a rare gene variant contributes to Alzheimer’s disease

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Peer-Reviewed Publication

An MIT study reveals how rare variants of a gene called ABCA7 may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s by disrupting lipid metabolism in neurons.

Journal: Nature
Funder: Cure Alzheimer's Fund, Freedom Together Foundation, Carol and Gene Ludwig Family Foundation, James D. Cook, NIH/National Institutes of Health

10-Sep-2025

New brain imaging findings help predicit cognitive decline Alzheimer’s years before syptoms appear

Kennedy Krieger Institute
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study from Kennedy Krieger Institute shows that a specialized MRI scan can detect changes in the brain years before memory problems begin. The findings offer hope for earlier diagnosis and better treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Journal: Radiology

9-Sep-2025

Brain iron on MRI predicts cognitive impairment, decline

Radiological Society of North America
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A special MRI technique that detects iron levels in different regions of the brain can predict the onset of mild cognitive impairment and cognitive decline in cognitively unimpaired older adults, potentially creating a pathway to earlier interventions, according to a new study.

Journal: Radiology