People who report not participating in social or cognitive activities are more likely to develop dementia within the next few years, but not after that. The findings cast nonparticipation as a consequence, not a cause, of neurodegeneration.
Alector’s AL002c antibody mobilizes microglia, reduces neuronal dystrophy, and restores normal behavior—all in mice. The clinical version is in Phase 1.
The field is shifting from targeting tau’s tips to its mid-region, especially where tau binds microtubules. Several new candidates are in the clinic; whether the strategy will work remains to be seen.
Two mouse models presented at AD/PD may hand scientists more translationally relevant tools to explore LOAD pathophysiology and treatment. The tricks: targeted replacement and knocking in multiple GWAS variants.
In a mouse model of amyloidosis, human wild-type TREM2 kept Aβ deposition at bay early on, but this defense became overwhelmed as plaques grew. The R47H AD risk variant never offered protection early on, and made things worse later.
For several neurodegenerative diseases, scientists identified which cell types exert a person’s inherited risk. In Alzheimer’s, it’s microglia; in Parkinson’s, it’s dopaminergic and enteric neurons—and oligodendrocytes.