The size of the disease-causing protein determines the stage of Alzheimer’s disease and can lead to earlier detection of a dangerous brain disease.
The traditional way to determine the presence of Alzheimer’s disease is to check for protein deposits in the cerebrospinal fluid. However, this test does not provide information about the stage of development of the brain disease. Now scientists have published a new study in the journal Communications Biology, in which they can stage Alzheimer’s disease using atomic force microscopy (AFM) to visualize the size and shape of these protein clumps, which could aid in the early detection of serious diseases. Atlas.
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Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It provides them with nutrients and acts as a defense against damage.
CSF analysis is used to measure the level or concentration of various substances and cells to diagnose diseases affecting the central nervous system. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid is key in diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Of particular interest to scientists are two disease-causing proteins: the tau protein and beta-amyloid protein, which are signs of the presence of the disease.
The scientists studied the deposits of these proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid of people with Alzheimer’s disease to create an early detection method for brain disease. Residual CSF analysis can indicate the presence of disease, but current detection methods cannot provide information about the size and shape of the protein, which is key to determining how far the disease has progressed.
The scientists used AFM to visualize protein deposits in the cerebrospinal fluid of people suffering from brain disease and cognitive impairment ranging from mild to very severe.
By analyzing the size, structure, and shape of the proteins and how they bind, the scientists were able to associate different protein morphologies with a specific stage of Alzheimer’s disease. According to the scientists, at an early stage of the disease people had short protein clumps only about 100 nanometers long, while in later stages they got longer and a few micrometers.
The results of the new study provide further insight into how Alzheimer’s develops and provide a new, more accurate way to assess its stage of development. The scientists believe their findings could help develop new, more effective drugs to treat the disease for which there is no cure yet.
Focus He has already written that scientists have concluded that even mild traumatic brain injuries can alter the brain. After a mild concussion, parts of the brain can become very interconnected, contributing to a longer duration of the symptoms of the disease.
Important! This article is based on and does not contradict the latest scientific and medical research. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. Be sure to consult a doctor for a diagnosis.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.