Aging and Brain Research

In a recent study led by researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA), scientists have uncovered the profound impact of fluctuating blood pressure on the cognitive health of older individuals, shedding light on the connection between blood pressure variations and the risk of dementia and vascular issues in the elderly.  High blood pressure is well-known as a risk factor for dementia, but the study underscores the importance of addressing the often-overlooked issue of fluctuating blood pressure in clinical treatments. To understand the mechanisms connecting blood pressure fluctuations with dementia, the researchers recruited 70 healthy older adults, aged 60-80, without cognitive impairment. They carefully monitored participants' blood pressure, conducted cognitive tests, and employed specialized techniques to measure arterial stiffness in the brain and arteries. The study unveiled a striking revelation: higher blood pressure variability, whether within a single day or ...

A recent publication highlights the discovery of the second case demonstrating exceptional resilience to autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease (ADAD). This male patient, carrying a PSEN1-E280A mutation, remained cognitively intact until the age of 67, despite the presence of highly elevated amyloid plaque burden. Interestingly, the patient did not possess the protective APOE3 Christchurch variant but instead had a rare variant in the RELN gene (H3447R), termed COLBOS. This gain-of-function variant showed enhanced ability to activate its protein target Dab1, leading to reduced human Tau phosphorylation. These findings suggest a potential role for RELN signaling in resilience to dementia, highlighting the importance of genetic variants in ADAD protection.  The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, specifically the APOE ε4 allele, is the most well-established genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Inheriting one or two copies of the APOE ε4 allele increases the risk of d...