Scientists identify specific areas of brain affected by Alzheimer disease

20:44   7 October, 2019

The accumulation of toxic plaques in the brain is considered the main cause of the development of incurable Alzheimer's disease. American scientists were able to identify specific areas of the brain in which the pathological process begins. By acting on the source, it will be easier to cope with the disease, HighTech + reported.

The accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins in the brain is considered to be the main cause of death of neurons that trigger the irreversible process of neurodegeneration. Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that the disease originates in the deep regions of the brain, before disrupting the hippocampus.

Experiments on mouse models have shown that plaque accumulation begins in the mastoid, transparent septum and subiculum.

The disease affects these three areas until it enters the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, which are responsible for memory and cognitive function. Unpleasant symptoms are associated with their defeat.

Then scientists confirmed the results on human tissue. According to their assumption, if the disease originated, for example, in the mastoid body, then the density of plaques should increase in proportion to the development of the disease. Analysis of tissues showed that at a later stage of the disease, the density of amyloid accumulations was higher.

The findings suggest that changes in the human brain during the development of Alzheimer's disease occur in a similar way, the authors conclude. Understanding the areas of origin of the disease will help develop new therapeutic strategies, the researchers hope.



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