WAM! New Microglial Subtype Mops Up Moribund Myelin
White matter-associated microglia express similar genes to plaque-associated DAMs. They seem to be triggered by the myelin breakdown associated with aging and disease.
NEWS
Lewy Body Dementia Shares Risk Genes with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s
Whole-genome sequencing combined with expression data identifies five LBD loci: three known and two new. Four increased LBD risk while one appears protective.
Cognition in Aging Women: From Higher Perch, a Steeper Fall
Based on pooled data from five well-characterized cohorts, women appear to initially outperform men, but then slide faster, on global cognition and executive function. Oddly, this was not true for memory.
Just What the Doctor Ordered? Polygenic Test Gauges Your Alzheimer’s Risk
The commercial test uses a few drops of saliva. It must be ordered by a physician. Plans are also in the works to use the test to select participants for clinical trials.
Herpes Update—Virus Increases Dementia Risk in Sweden
Epidemiology study reveals 1.5-times higher risk of dementia after herpes virus infection. Short-term antiviral treatment appears to lower risk.
ALZgerm Challenge–No Winner, But Small Prizes to 8 Scientists
Researchers split $200,000 for their theories on the role of six microbes—one virus, four bacteria, and one parasite—in Alzheimer’s.
Would ApoE Make a Better Therapeutic Target Than Aβ?
In mice, an anti-ApoE antibody removed plaques from the brain’s parenchyma and blood vessels better than aducanumab. Importantly, it caused no microhemorrhages.
Alzheimer’s Field Loses Fred van Leeuwen, 71
Van Leeuwen was best known for finding frameshift mutations in APP and ubiquitin B in the brains of people with tauopathies.
Virtual Exhibit Hall
Alzforum encourages users to visit the Virtual Exhibit Hall, where companies showcase their newest initiatives, products, and services. We welcome F. Hoffmann-La Roche, joining our other exhibitors — Biogen, BioLegend, Abcam, BrainXell, and the Jackson Laboratory.
SPOTLIGHT
Lewy Body Dementia Shares Risk Genes with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s
Genetics place Lewy body dementia in between Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Whole-genome sequencing and GWAS, backed by expression data, identified five LBD loci. GBA, APOE, and SNCA were previously known as LBD genes; BIN1 and TMEM175 are new to this mixed disease. An SNCA variant protects, the others increase LBD risk. Three are known PD genes, two are AD genes.
Cognition in Aging Women: From Higher Perch, a Steeper Fall
Scientists disagree about whether women face a greater risk of cognitive decline than men. In a new study, researchers who pooled data from five established longitudinal cohorts that track cognition report that, among 26,000 people, global cognition and executive function declined faster in women than men. Memory slipped at the same pace in both sexes. Curiously, women outperformed men in all three categories, indicating they enjoy more cognitive reserve. The sex differences remained after correcting for some other factors that affect cognition, including cardiovascular risk factors and education level.
AD/PD 2021 – All Online One More Time
Due to—you guessed it—a certain virus, the International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases will have to unfold virtually once more, until more of the world is vaccinated. The 15th installment of this six-day long annual meeting will start on March 9. It costs between €300 and €500; for that, three pre-conferences are included, and recorded presentations will stay accessible for three months after the meeting ends on the 14th. Added bonus: no jet lag, no mask, no more “Can’t believe I missed that talk! I was in a different session.” This time, you can see and hear it all. Register here.
Would ApoE Make a Better Therapeutic Target Than Aβ?
Antibodies such as aducanumab clear amyloid plaque from the brain, but they also cause tiny tears in cerebral blood vessels that cause ARIA. Is there a safer way? In mice, antibodies directed against ApoE, a component of dense-core plaques, mopped up deposits in brain and blood vessels more effectively than did aducanumab. Importantly, this therapy caused no microhemorrhages. The data hint that antibodies targeting ApoE could be safer for long-term therapy.
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