Month March 2025

How white matter lesions impact cognition

White matter lesions in the brain are associated with significant impacts on cognition. These lesions, often visible on MRI scans as hyperintensities, are linked to various cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and executive functions. Understanding how these lesions affect…

Hippocampal atrophy patterns in early dementia

Hippocampal atrophy is a significant indicator of early dementia, particularly in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and hippocampal sclerosis of aging. The hippocampus, a crucial part of the brain involved in memory and learning, undergoes changes that can be detected through…

The role of prion-like proteins in dementia

Prion-like proteins play a significant role in the development and progression of dementia. To understand this, let’s first clarify what prion-like proteins are and how they affect the brain. Prion-like proteins are normal cellular proteins that can misfold into abnormal…

Impact of sleep on beta-amyloid accumulation

Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining brain health, particularly in relation to Alzheimer’s disease. One of the key factors in Alzheimer’s is the accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins in the brain. These proteins are known to disrupt brain function and…

Brain insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s

Brain Insulin Resistance and Alzheimer’s Disease: Understanding the Connection Insulin resistance is a condition where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. This condition is commonly associated with type 2 diabetes…

The role of glial cells in neurodegeneration

Glial cells play a crucial role in maintaining the health and function of the central nervous system (CNS). They are often overlooked compared to neurons, but their importance cannot be overstated. Glial cells include astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes, each with…

Synaptic plasticity loss in dementia

Synaptic plasticity is the brain’s ability to change and adapt throughout life. It plays a crucial role in learning and memory. However, in conditions like dementia, this ability is significantly impaired. Dementia is a broad term that describes a decline…

Vascular contributions to dementia

Vascular contributions to dementia are a significant factor in understanding and addressing cognitive decline. Dementia is a broad term that describes a decline in cognitive function, including memory loss, difficulty with communication, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities. Vascular dementia, specifically,…

Blood-brain barrier permeability in Alzheimer’s

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a protective layer that separates the brain from the bloodstream. It plays a crucial role in maintaining brain health by controlling what substances can enter the brain. However, in Alzheimer’s disease, the integrity of this…

Mitochondrial dysfunction in dementia

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a significant role in the development and progression of dementia, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease. Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouses of cells, responsible for producing energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. When mitochondria do…