Researchers at the University of Cologne have identified a specific form of the tau protein that is responsible for mediating the toxicity of harmful protein clumps in human neurons and thus represents a new target for future treatments / publication in ‘Alzheimer’s & Dementia’

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering uncovered a surprising case of Alzheimer’s disease in a woman with Down syndrome who remained cognitively stable despite having significant Alzheimer’s pathology in her brain. Using high-resolution 7T MRI imaging, the study highlighted a critical gap between clinical assessments and underlying biology. The findings suggest that genetic or lifestyle factors may contribute to cognitive resilience, offering new insights that could refine diagnostic tools, expand clinical trial criteria, and improve treatments. 

A new study, led by experts at the University of Nottingham, has found that patients who need treatment for neurological and mental health disorders, would favour non-invasive neuromodulation interventions over current interventions such as pharmaceutical drugs.

 

Neuromodulation is the alteration of nerve activity in the brain through targeted delivery of different stimulus such as electrical stimulation of chemical agents. Researchers are currently developing new brain interventions using neuromodulation, for neurological and mental health disorders – such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia as well as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

 

The new study, which is published in Scientific Reports, looked at the public perception of neuromodulation. In an online survey with almost 800 participants, novel neuromodulation interventions were viewed positively, often more highly ranked than current interventions. 

A new study led by researchers at Mass General Brigham suggests a nasal spray developed to target neuroinflammation could one day be an effective treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI). By studying the effects of the nasal anti-CD3 in a mouse model of TBI, researchers found the spray could reduce damage to the central nervous system and behavioral deficits, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for TBI and other acute forms of brain injury. The results are published in Nature Neuroscience.

ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, can sometimes be difficult to diagnose or to predict how quickly the disease is likely to progress. A new study helps determine which blood tests are best at identifying and monitoring ALS. The study is published in the February 26, 2025, online issue of Neurology^®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.